By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 09, 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a 45-day political retreat to his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County as he intensifies efforts to unite the opposition behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said his political mobilization campaign against President Ruto was complete and that the focus had now shifted to identifying a consensus opposition flag bearer.
Gachagua said the decision followed consultations with his 60-member caucus of elders, professionals, clergy and youth leaders, who met virtually after last week's High Court ruling on his impeachment case.
"The work of political mobilization to remove President William Ruto from office is complete. The next priority is identifying a single presidential candidate to face him," Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President revealed that he would spend the next six weeks in Wamunyoro holding consultations with stakeholders, opinion leaders and supporters across the country before opening negotiations with opposition principals on a common presidential ticket.
He insisted that presenting one candidate against President Ruto was the opposition's only viable path to victory.
"My supporters have instructed me that having a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto is not negotiable. It is the only way to liberate this country," he said.
Gachagua disclosed that his camp was considering two possible scenarios ahead of the opposition talks.
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Under Plan A, he would seek nationwide support if coalition partners agree on him as the opposition's presidential flag bearer. Under Plan B, he would seek his supporters' blessing to back another candidate should consultations favour one of his allies.
"You will not see me in public rallies during this period. I will be engaged in extensive consultations because this process is critical for the future of the country," he said.
In a show of commitment to opposition unity, Gachagua pledged to support whichever candidate emerges from the negotiations, even if he is not selected.
"If another colleague is agreed upon, I will rally behind that candidate. My supporters and I will support the agreed candidate fully, and I will personally lead an unprecedented political mobilization campaign to ensure President Ruto serves only one term," he said.
The former Deputy President accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of presiding over corruption, state capture, conflict of interest, democratic backsliding and extrajudicial killings, claiming the country was facing one of its most difficult periods since independence.
"We must get back our nation. Kenyans have lost far too much, and we cannot afford to lose more," he said.
His announcement signals the beginning of what could become intense behind-the-scenes negotiations among opposition leaders as they seek to build a united front capable of mounting a formidable challenge against President Ruto in the next presidential contest.