Gachagua Reveals Legal Loophole He Will Exploit to Run for Presidency in 2027 Despite Impeachment
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly disclosed the legal strategy he intends to use to vie for the presidency in 2027, even after his 2024 impeachment.
Speaking during a candid interview with Weru TV on Sunday night, Gachagua revealed that he would exploit a specific legal loophole that allows individuals with pending court cases to contest elective positions.
“Before my case reaches the Supreme Court, I will contest the presidential seat, and I will win with very many votes,” Gachagua declared, making it clear that impeachment alone would not deter his ambitions. According to him, Kenyan law does not prohibit a candidate from running for office if their legal case has not been concluded at the Supreme Court level.
Explaining further, Gachagua referred to a previous example involving John Waluke, stating, “John Waluke was sentenced to 74 years, and after being released on bond, he ran for the Sirisia MP seat and won. Eventually, the Court of Appeal dropped his case. The law permits anyone who has not exhausted all legal appeals to vie for any seat. My case hasn’t even begun yet.”
Gachagua’s comments have thrown a new light on the constitutional protections afforded to candidates under investigation or appeal, highlighting a significant gap that he intends to leverage.
By framing his impeachment as part of an unfinished legal journey, he positions himself firmly within his constitutional rights to challenge President William Ruto in the next general election.
Currently, other opposition leaders such as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, PLP leader Martha Karua, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i have already announced their presidential intentions. Gachagua, however, appears unbothered by the crowded field.
“Everyone wants the presidential seat—Karua, Kalonzo, Matiang’i, Wamalwa, and I. We will keep campaigning until the end, then we will decide together who will fly the flag,” he explained. Gachagua also assured supporters that unity within the opposition remains a priority, adding, “If I am not chosen, I will still support the selected candidate.”
Laying out a strategy for winning, Gachagua emphasized the need for a collaborative approach. “This man, President Ruto, must go home. We will each present what we bring to the table to ensure a 70+1 victory. We will then issue a joint public commitment to back the chosen candidate,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged suggesting that political divisions among opposition figures are already surfacing.
A recent meeting allegedly hosted by former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Ichaweri residence reportedly excluded Gachagua. Sources claim that the gathering was meant to endorse Fred Matiang’i as the opposition’s preferred candidate under the Jubilee Party banner. Uhuru, insiders say, was firm in his decision to bar Gachagua from attending.
This exclusion underscores the tensions between Gachagua and some opposition heavyweights.
Despite his previous harsh criticism of Uhuru during and after the 2022 elections, Gachagua has lately been attempting to rebuild bridges. However, political observers believe reconciliation may be difficult as alliances for 2027 start to take shape.
Further demonstrating his intent to cement his political base, Gachagua announced plans to launch a new party in May.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi is expected to hold a senior leadership role within this party. This move could solidify Gachagua’s independence and bolster his campaign infrastructure ahead of the highly anticipated race.
In sum, Gachagua’s bold disclosure about exploiting legal gaps signals his determination to remain a key player in Kenya’s political arena.
While critics may view his strategy as controversial, supporters see it as a smart maneuver within the existing legal framework.
With elections two years away, his candidacy is set to stir heated debates about the intersection of law, ethics, and political ambition.
In Other News: Gachagua Blames Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi for Strained Ties with Ruto Leading to His Impeachment
Gachagua Reveals Legal Loophole He Will Exploit to Run for Presidency in 2027 Despite Impeachment
