Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans to prepare for a political contest against President William Ruto through the ballot, insisting that the opposition will seek to remove the Head of State from office through democratic means in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Saturday, July 4, 2026, during the Wamunyoro Consultative Meeting with leaders from Githunguri Constituency at his Nyeri residence, Gachagua said the opposition’s focus was on mobilising voters rather than engaging in street confrontations.

“Sisi hatuwezi kupigana na yeye kwa barabara. Tutapigana na yeye kwa ballot. Lazima hii vita ya Ruto tujiandae vizuri,” Gachagua said.

He urged supporters to remain united and prepare for what he described as a decisive political contest, maintaining that votes not protests would determine the country’s leadership.

Battle will be decided at the ballot

Gachagua said the opposition would rely on constitutional means to challenge President Ruto, arguing that the ballot remains the most powerful instrument of political change.

“Vita yetu na William Ruto si ya barabarani. Tuko na kura. Vita yetu na Ruto tutamaliza kwa ballot,” he said.

He maintained that the opposition was focused on building sufficient support across the country to defeat the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next General Election.

Calls for political unity

The former Deputy President urged Kenyans backing the opposition to remain patient and organised, saying the campaign against President Ruto required proper planning and unity.

“Lazima hii vita ya Ruto tujiandae vizuri,” he reiterated, urging supporters to channel their energy towards voter mobilisation.

The remarks come as Gachagua continues to hold consultative meetings with political leaders, professionals, clergy and grassroots supporters at his Wamunyoro residence after temporarily suspending nationwide opposition rallies.

The meetings have become a key platform for the former Deputy President to engage supporters and shape the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election, as political activity begins to intensify across the country.

Single presidential candidate

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader also revealed that the united opposition will not rush to unveil its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, saying the coalition has agreed to keep its flag bearer secret until the legally prescribed nomination deadline.

“We can name our candidate as late as the 15th of May. That is the deadline ya kupeana presidential candidate. Ata tukiwa named on 13th of May, iko makosa?” Gachagua posed.

He said announcing the candidate early would expose the coalition to internal divisions and give political rivals an opportunity to intimidate or undermine its preferred flag bearer.

“We will not give you the advantage of dividing us. We will not give you the opportunity to intimidate our flag bearer. We will not give you the opportunity to persecute our flag bearer. The single presidential candidate remains our secret weapon until the last minute,” he said.

Gachagua urged opposition leaders to focus on consolidating support in their respective political strongholds as consultations continue to shape the coalition’s strategy for the 2027 General Election.