Rigathi Gachagua Denies Claims He’d Be Prime CS in Opposition Govt: "Sponsored by NIS"
- Rigathi Gachagua rebutted media claims about a potential political role, alleging attempts to divide the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections
- In a video, he outlined how the United Opposition will settle on a presidential candidate, while also hinting at the time the flag-bearer will be publicly announced
- Gachagua claimed unity within the opposition and vowed a commitment to any candidate who would be selected to challenge the incumbent administration
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed a document aired by KTN News suggesting he would become the prime Cabinet secretary if the United Opposition wins the 2027 General Election, terming it state-sponsored propaganda.
Source: Facebook
Gachagua claimed the report was orchestrated by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to create divisions within the opposition ranks.
He clarified that the opposition is yet to settle on a flag-bearer, stating their only common goal so far is to unseat President William Ruto after he serves one term.
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“I’ve seen reports by KTN, sponsored by the NIS, claiming that we’ve reached an agreement on who will be the opposition’s flag bearer. That’s false — we haven’t settled on anyone yet. The only thing we’ve agreed on is that Ruto must serve one term. As for who will replace him, that’s still undecided. In fact, most Kenyans don’t even care who it is, as long as Ruto goes," he explained.
How will United Opposition decide on presidential candidate?
He further disclosed that the opposition will conduct a vetting process for all interested presidential hopefuls, with the final candidate set to be announced in December 2026.
"We’ve agreed that anyone eyeing the presidency must go out and seek votes. After Christmas next year, we will sit down, count the numbers, and choose one candidate to face Ruto," he stated.
Gachagua named key opposition figures eyeing the presidency, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, DAP-Kenya boss Eugene Wamalwa, PLP leader Martha Karua, Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya, and Busia senator Okiya Omtatah.
Source: Facebook
While asserting he remains the 'front runner' with the best chance to defeat Ruto, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader vowed to support whoever the agreed formula favours even if it is not himself.
"I consider myself a front-runner and believe I have the best chance to win. However, if the formula we adopt doesn’t favour me, I will step aside and fully support the candidate who does," Gachagua added.
Gachagua emphasised that the government is huge enough to accommodate everyone, stressing the need to prioritise good governance and eliminate corruption, killings, and abductions.
Meanwhile, the leaked document referenced by the media indicated that Kalonzo had been fronted by the majority of the opposition as the preferred presidential flagbearer, with discussions ongoing over a possible deputy between Matiang’i, Wamalwa, and Natembeya.
Can Gachagua unseat William Ruto?
Meanwhile, ODM MP Caleb Amisi argued that while there is growing discontent with Ruto’s leadership, Gachagua is not a suitable alternative to take over power in 2027.
He noted that the former Mathira MP could play a role in uniting opposition efforts to remove Ruto from office but lacks the appeal to lead the country.
According to Amisi, Gachagua’s approach risks undermining national unity and weakening the broader opposition agenda.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
