Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that his only regret, should he not be chosen as the united opposition’s presidential flagbearer in 2027, would be missing the chance to face President William Ruto directly in a live presidential debate.
Speaking on Friday during the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) National Delegates Conference, Gachagua said he fully supports ongoing negotiations to produce a single opposition candidate, stressing that what matters most is presenting a united front against Ruto.
“I would only have one disappointment if I am not chosen. Just one… I will miss the opportunity to face William Ruto in the presidential debate,” he told delegates, drawing laughter from the hall.
The former DP urged all opposition aspirants to actively engage the grassroots, sell their vision, and convince Kenyans of their leadership capacity. He assured the public that the coalition would sacrifice individual ambitions for the sake of unity, promising that only one opposition candidate will challenge Ruto in 2027.
“Go and sell your candidature, your vision, and convince Kenyans that you can be President,” he said. “We want to assure the people of Kenya that under whatever circumstances, we shall have one presidential candidate to face him.”
Gachagua also delivered a sharp jab at President Ruto’s prospects, claiming: “William Ruto knows his goose is cooked. He knows the joint opposition will send him home by 10 am.”
He added that he would fully back PLP leader Martha Karua or any other aspirant who proves to be the strongest candidate to defeat Ruto.
“If you are able to convince us that you are the right person, I’ll campaign for you the way I campaigned for William Ruto in 2022,” Gachagua affirmed.
