Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has signalled a willingness to step aside in the upcoming 2027 presidential contest, stating that his primary goal is orchestrating a unified front to ensure President William Ruto serves only a single term.

Speaking during a live television interview on Wednesday night, July 23, 2026, Gachagua maintained that while he possesses the political machinery and public support necessary to lead the opposition ticket, he is prepared to surrender his personal ambitions if his coalition partners present a more viable strategy.

“I am hopeful that I would be able to persuade my colleagues [in the opposition] to allow me to fly the flag,” Gachagua said during the broadcast.

“If I am not successful in that quest, and my colleagues persuade me otherwise that for us to remove William Ruto I need to give way to somebody else, I would do so willingly, unconditionally and my supporters and I will support that person to a man,” he added.

Addressing criticism regarding his current lack of state power following his high-profile departure from office, Gachagua dismissed the notion that holding an official title is a prerequisite for political leverage.

“I don’t even have to be anything, today I am nobody – I don’t have a salary, I don’t have security,” he said.

“I occupy no position in this country but I influence things, I make things happen in this country. I am the point of reference in all matters, everybody answers me daily. I don’t have to be anybody to influence change of government for the better.”

Positioning himself as a reform-minded figure focused on institutional governance, Gachagua reiterated that unseating the current administration takes precedence over his own political future.

“I am a man who is willing to influence anything to bring good change and good governance in this country,” Gachagua said.

“I am willing to sacrifice anything including my presidential ambition to make sure William Ruto is one term,” he asserted.

The former deputy president also pushed back against long-standing accusations from his critics that his national politics are defined by regional or ethnic favouritism.

Pointing to his previous political alliances, he argued that his willingness to build coalitions across regional lines demonstrates his broader national outlook.

“I am willing to support anybody to first prove to William Ruto that I am not tribal because when I supported him he was not Kikuyu, he was Kalenjin and I supported him, I can support somebody else,” Gachagua said.

“I am willing and ready with my supporters to support anybody else to be president.”

Allies of President Ruto have consistently downplayed opposition unification efforts, expressing confidence in the administration’s record and its prospects in the 2027 general election.