Gachagua Threatens to Relocate to US if Opposition Loses 2027 Election

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has suggested that he could relocate to the United States with his family if the Opposition loses the 2027 General Election, particularly if divisions within the Mt Kenya region contribute to its defeat.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), said he remained confident that the Opposition had the political numbers to defeat President William Ruto but warned that internal divisions could undermine its chances.

Speaking during an interview with a vernacular television station on Sunday night, the former Deputy President urged Opposition leaders to avoid disagreements and work towards a united political front ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I am convinced that the Opposition will win, if it does not allow itself to be divided,” he said.

Gachagua indicated that his decision to remain in Kenya could depend partly on whether Mt Kenya voters heed his calls to rally behind a common presidential candidate.

He warned that if competing political interests fragmented the region's support, he would consider leaving the country for the United States, where he says he owns a home.

“If our people allow themselves to be divided, I will just board a plane and go to the US. I have a home there,” he said.

The DCP leader further suggested that he would not wait until after the election to make his decision if he became convinced that Mt Kenya residents were being misled by their political leaders.

“If I see that our people have been misled and divided through their own leaders, because I will be woke, I will not be here in Kenya,” he added.

Gachagua maintained that he had made efforts to unite the Mt Kenya region and would not accept responsibility if local leaders and voters ignored his appeals.

“I have tried to unite the region, so no one will ask me any question. No one will ask me the reason for fleeing. I will just go to America with my people because I have a home there,” he said.

Gachagua's US Visit and 2027 Political Contest

The remarks come after Gachagua's extended visit to the United States, where he reportedly interacted with Kenyans living abroad and spent time at his home.

He left Kenya on August 26 and returned on October 20.

His latest comments introduce a personal dimension to the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Opposition seeking to consolidate support across different regions.

Mt Kenya remains a significant electoral battleground, with Gachagua positioning himself as a key figure in efforts to mobilise voters behind a common Opposition presidential candidate.

However, he faces competition from other regional political figures seeking influence over the direction of Mt Kenya politics.

Among those positioning themselves as regional voices are People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who leads the People's Party of Kenya (PPK).

The question of who will shape Mt Kenya's political direction, and whether its leaders can agree on a common presidential candidate, is likely to remain central to Opposition negotiations as the 2027 elections approach.