Gachagua launches 2027 campaign with Mt Kenya rallies

Rigathi Gachagua has officially launched his 2027 presidential campaign, beginning with rallies in Murang’a, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties.

The former deputy president’s announcement follows his early return from a United States visit initially expected to last until September. Gachagua returned on 21 August, citing the need to oversee preparations for upcoming by-elections.

However, his arrival was disrupted by violence in Nairobi, where his motorcade was attacked by stone-throwing groups allegedly aligned with rival political camps. A planned rally at Kamukunji grounds was cancelled, prompting a shift in focus to regional mobilisation across Mt Kenya.

Speaking in Kenol, Murang’a, Gachagua described his campaign as a grassroots effort to restore Mt Kenya’s political influence. He accused President William Ruto of engineering his impeachment and undermining democratic processes.

Gachagua is the first deputy president to be impeached under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, following charges of ethnic incitement, abuse of office, and judicial interference, allegations he denies and is challenging in court. He positioned himself as a victim of political persecution and called on Mt Kenya residents to register as voters ahead of the next election. 

Acknowledging his role in Ruto’s 2022 campaign, Gachagua said he regretted supporting leaders he now accuses of marginalising the region. He criticised the current administration for engaging in what he termed “tokenism and cronyism.”

Gachagua further alleged that the government is using five tactics to weaken Mt Kenya’s political cohesion: financial inducements, promotion of rival presidential aspirants, interference with youth identity registration, targeting of dissenting leaders, and enforced disappearances. 

He said Murang’a had become a testing ground for these strategies, citing efforts to divide the region through state-aligned splinter parties. At a rally in Karatina, Gachagua reaffirmed his leadership of the Democracy for Citizens Party and announced a coalition with Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party and Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party. 

The alliance aims to counter President Ruto’s recent political engagements in Mt Kenya, where the head of state has hosted several delegations at State House.

President Ruto has previously defended his administration, stating that his government was backed by Mt Kenya and remains committed to national development. 

Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura urged residents to stand by the president and disregard divisive rhetoric.