Gachagua: "My only regret will be missing a debate with Ruto "

By Newsflash Repoter

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said his only regret, if he fails to secure the united opposition’s presidential flagbearer ticket in 2027, would be missing the chance to debate President William Ruto live on stage. Speaking during the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) National Delegates Conference on Friday, Gachagua emphasized that defeating Ruto through a joint front matters more than individual ambitions.

He told delegates he supports ongoing negotiations to produce one opposition candidate and added that whoever emerges as the strongest should be backed fully. “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 said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Call for grassroots campaigns and inclusivity

Gachagua challenged fellow opposition aspirants to connect with Kenyans at the grassroots by presenting their visions and policies. He insisted that only through persuasion and trust-building could the opposition rally behind a single flagbearer. “Go and sell your candidature, your vision, and convince Kenyans that you can be President,” he urged.

The former DP assured the public that sacrifices would be made to ensure unity in 2027, regardless of personal interests. He stressed that inclusivity, member recruitment, and grassroots coordination were key to building a formidable movement capable of unseating Ruto.

Swipe at Ruto and pledge of loyalty

In a sharp jab at the President, Gachagua declared, “William Ruto knows his goose is cooked. He knows the joint opposition will send him home by 10 am.” He pledged loyalty to any opposition aspirant able to convincingly prove they are best placed to defeat Ruto. “If you are able to convince us, I’ll campaign for you the way I campaigned for William Ruto,” he said.

His remarks were interpreted as both a sign of personal ambition and a willingness to back figures such as PLP leader Martha Karua if consensus favored them. By doing so, Gachagua positioned himself as a team player within the opposition coalition, while keeping his own presidential hopes alive.

Building towards 2027 showdown

Gachagua underlined that the opposition’s immediate task is strengthening its coalition structures ahead of 2027. He said unity would be the decisive factor in challenging Ruto’s re-election bid, with grassroots mobilization forming the backbone of their strategy.

While making it clear that his preference would be to face Ruto directly, Gachagua reiterated that defeating him as a coalition mattered most. His stance reflects both his long-term political ambitions and a pragmatic acknowledgment of the opposition’s need for one voice in 2027.