Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confidently predicts that one of the opposition leaders will step aside as rival factions negotiate a unified candidate to challenge President William Ruto.
Speaking in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, Gachagua emphasized that the choice of the opposition’s final candidate will hinge on practicality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, rather than personal ambitions.
He positioned himself as a collaborative force in the upcoming coalition, expressing his support for whatever formula emerges from the discussions.
“One single presidential candidate will be announced. One leader will step aside voluntarily, and the chosen candidate will secure 75 percent of the Kenyan vote. I assure you, Riggy-G will be part of the winning team because I am committed to this arrangement,” he stated.
Gachagua believes that opposition leaders will ultimately find a way to unite behind one candidate, while others maintain their roles within the broader coalition.
“If it’s not Riggy-G, it will be someone else; our decision will be guided by what is practical, efficient, and cost-effective. We need to determine the best formula to ensure that one candidate emerges while others support the coalition,” Gachagua said.
His goal is to identify the strategy that has the highest potential to unseat Ruto in the first round of voting.
Gachagua’s remarks suggest that selecting a presidential candidate should be a strategic choice focused on consolidating votes rather than a mere entitlement for any individual leader.
Reflecting on the 2022 election, Gachagua connected the upcoming negotiations to the political shifts seen before the last General Election, noting that opposition figures pursued various coalition strategies while some ran separately.
He highlighted the importance of establishing a workable formula early and encouraging leaders to embrace the outcome.
Gachagua expressed his commitment to this approach as a patriotic responsibility to help remove Ruto from office.
“I want the people of Kenya to trust that I have a clear vision for restoring our nation. The first step in this restoration is to remove William Ruto from power. It is my patriotic duty to support the most effective strategy for achieving this in the first round,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the opposition’s ability to unite, Gachagua dismissed the notion that the leaders cannot collaborate.
“You know, some people doubt our unity, saying we can’t agree… Kasongo and your team will be surprised,” he remarked.
He framed his insights as stemming from experience rather than prophecy.
“I want to share my vision today, not as a prophet, but as someone with experience,” Gachagua stated.
These comments highlight a political strategy where opposition unity will center on a negotiated presidential candidate, with leaders expected to accept the agreed-upon formula.
For now, Gachagua hasn’t specified who he anticipates will step aside, leaving the question of the opposition’s unified presidential candidate open as discussions continue.
