Gachagua unveils 2027 presidential agenda

By Wanderi Kamau

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027, promising a government that will restore the rule of law, end economic exploitation, and foster institutional independence.

Speaking during an interview with Weru TV on Sunday night, Gachagua stated that his decision would, however, depend on whether the opposition coalition endorses his bid.

He indicated that unity within the opposition was critical for mounting a serious challenge against the incumbent government.

“My decision to vie will be influenced by whether the opposition gives me the mantle to carry the flag. This is not a personal race; it is about the collective good of the country,” he said.

Touching on the impeachment case currently facing him, Gachagua dismissed concerns that it would derail his political ambitions. He insisted that according to the Kenyan Constitution, he remains eligible to contest for any office until he has exhausted all avenues of appeal through the courts.

“The Constitution is clear: a candidate is only barred from vying after exhausting all legal processes. My case is just beginning at the High Court. If necessary, we shall proceed to the Court of Appeal, and finally to the Supreme Court, until justice is served,” he added.

Gachagua’s Four-Point plan for Kenya

Gachagua took the opportunity to outline the key pillars of his presidential agenda, should he succeed in clinching the country’s top seat.

First on his list is restoring the dignity of Kenyan workers by reforming payslips and reducing what he termed “unnecessary deductions,” such as the controversial Housing Levy introduced under the current administration.

“Kenyan workers are overburdened. Every month, they see their payslips mutilated by numerous deductions. I will scrap these unnecessary levies and give Kenyans control over their hard-earned money,” Gachagua pledged.

Read more: Gachagua: My life is in danger

Secondly, he vowed to firmly restore the rule of law, emphasizing that no Kenyan—especially the youth—should be subjected to violence or extra-judicial killings for expressing dissent.

“The Gen-Zs must never fear for their lives simply for demanding accountability. Under my leadership, the police will protect, not persecute,” he said.

The third pillar of his agenda involves ensuring that independent institutions are allowed to operate without interference. Gachagua criticized what he described as a trend towards “one-man rule,” warning that undermining democratic institutions would drag the country backward.

“We must let institutions like the Judiciary, Parliament, and investigative bodies do their work freely. Kenya is bigger than any one individual,” he noted.

Fourth, Gachagua promised to empower Cabinet Secretaries and decentralize executive power, accusing the current government of being run by a single individual.

“Ministers today have no authority. Everything is micromanaged from one center. That must end. If we appoint capable men and women, we must trust them to deliver,” Gachagua said.

Read more:Wamaua dumps Gachagua for Ruto

He also reiterated his commitment to ending what he termed “overtaxation,” accusing the current administration of burdening citizens with unnecessary taxes.

“Kenyans cannot breathe. Every other day, there’s a new tax. My government will focus on broadening the economic base rather than milking the little that people have,” he said.

‘Ruto doesn’t trust anyone’

In a surprising attack on his former boss, President William Ruto, Gachagua accused him of being overly distrustful of his own lieutenants.

“Ruto doesn’t trust anyone. Look at how he sent Moses Wetang’ula for the Pope’s burial but still left China to follow him. He doesn’t delegate because he doesn’t trust anyone to do anything properly,” Gachagua alleged.