Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua now says Kenyans are increasingly putting him under pressure to run for president in the 2027 General Election.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader believes that the public is seeking honest leadership and integrity, and he positions himself as the candidate who can fulfil these desires.
“The Kenyan people have put a lot of pressure on me to run for president because they are looking for someone who is truthful and someone who has integrity. A large percentage of Kenyans are Christians,” Gachagua said during an interview with US-based CNB News.
The former deputy president, who was impeached, drew comparisons between his political challenges and those encountered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“This is the same thing that happened to Donald Trump. He was impeached because of what he believes in, because of his principles, because of doing what is right for the American people. I stand for what is right,” he asserted.
Gachagua also claimed that there have been several attempts on his life, both during and after his time in office.
“Yes, there were two attempts when I was sitting in office. They wanted to poison our food. It did not happen. And when I left office, my security was withdrawn and there have been about four attempts on my life by armed criminal gangs under police provision. And it has not happened because God has taken care of me. Again, a Trump experience,” he claimed during the TV interview
Criticizing the current state of governance, Gachagua stated that the opposition has been compromised, institutions of oversight weakened, and human rights violated.
He expressed optimism that Kenyans would vote for a new government in the upcoming election.
“Kenya is a democracy, it’s a constitutional democracy. And we have elections every five years. Much as we are struggling, we don’t want change through any other method. We want to wait for the elections on the 10th of August 2027. Kenyans will wake up early, go to the ballot and elect leaders who can take care of their country,” he said.
