Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has encouraged him to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, signalling growing political momentum around his expected bid.

Speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a church service in Kajiado, Gachagua sought to calm speculation over divisions in the opposition, saying Kenyans should not be worried about his presidential ambitions.

He insisted that his political aspirations would not fracture the opposition, adding that leaders in the coalition were working toward unity ahead of the next polls.

“Wanachama wa DCP wamenihimiza kuwania urais mwaka wa 2027, na niko tayari kwa hilo. Hata hivyo, nataka kuwahakikishia Wakenya kuwa azma yangu haitagawanya upinzani, sisi ni wengi na tutaendelea kushirikiana,” Gachagua stated.

Loosely translate: “Members of the DCP have urged me to run for the presidency in 2027, and I’m ready to do so. However, I want to assure Kenyans that my ambition will not divide the opposition; we are many, and we will continue working together,” Gachagua said.

Unity with opposition

Gachagua said they are going to have consultations within the opposition with the goal of fielding a joint candidate to face the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027.

According to Gachagua, the opposition team will not break their alliances, adding that all the leaders within their faction should have a single candidate facing Ruto with the aim of winning the election. Gachagua further revealed that he will support the candidate appointed if the opposition decides to have another candidate.

“Hakikisho yangu ni kwamba zote, tutaketi pamoja, tusikizane tutoe kiongozi moja wa kupambana na William Ruto katika uchaguzi ujao. Iwapo hawataniteu, basi nitamuunga mkono yule atakayetolewa,” Gachagua said.

He further vowed to make President William Ruto a one-term president, with his allies insisting that within the United Opposition, Gachagua is the only candidate with the muscle to unseat President William Ruto.

“Nataka watu wa Kajiado mnipatie nafasi niwe rais wa sita wa Jamhuri ya Kenya, niregeshe heshima ya watu wa Kajiado. Nataka niambie wale hawajui. Hii Kajiado ni DCP zone,” Gachagua said earlier on Friday in Kajiado East Constituency.

Kalonzo on presidential bid

Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on supporters of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to rally behind his 2027 presidential bid, framing the appeal as both a continuation of Odinga’s political vision and a gesture of gratitude for years of partnership.

Speaking during a church service at Nyakongo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rangwe Constituency, Homa Bay County, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Kalonzo said he is determined to ensure that Odinga’s ideals do not fade following his passing. He told congregants and local leaders that his long alliance with the ODM leader positions him as the most suitable candidate to inherit and implement that vision.

“I stood by Raila for more than 15 years and know his vision, which includes the fight against corruption and the sale of public assets, besides the Adani deal, on which we had some differences. Now he is gone, and I need to take over from him, and I need your support,” Musyoka said.