Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says he is willing to become Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election if opposition leaders decide the pairing gives them the best chance of defeating President William Ruto.
Speaking during a community engagement with Kenyans in Spokane, Washington, on September 5, 2026, Gachagua said he was open to stepping aside from his own presidential ambitions if his colleagues concluded that another candidate was better placed to win.
“I’m willing and ready. By the way, there’s no problem. Even I, Riggy G, I can deputise Sifuna. Kwani iko makosa gani?,” he said.
Gachagua has previously positioned himself as a potential presidential candidate and said he believed he had the numbers and political capacity to challenge President William Ruto.
But he said his personal ambition would not prevent him from backing another candidate if the opposition reached a consensus on who could defeat the president.
He identified himself, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as serious contenders for the opposition presidential ticket.
“We are very serious presidential candidates, and Sifuna is one of them. Riggy G here is a serious candidate. My cousin, Kalonzo Musyoka, is a serious candidate. And we can give to anybody, including Sifuna,” Gachagua said.
He also encouraged Sifuna to pursue his presidential ambitions despite criticism over his age, pointing to the ages at which former US presidents Barack Obama and Franklin D Roosevelt were elected.
“I have told my younger brother, Edwin Sifuna, ‘Don’t be discouraged by anybody. Go for it,’” he said. “The guy is 44 years. President Obama was elected President of the United States at 47. President Roosevelt of the United States was elected President at the age of 42. If at the age of 42 you can govern a country as large as the United States, at 44, Kenya ni nini?”
The Nairobi senator, 44, has faced questions over whether he is sufficiently experienced to seek the presidency, including from Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
Gachagua said the opposition needed to avoid fielding multiple presidential candidates, arguing that a united ticket could defeat Ruto without a second round.
“We don’t want to go for a run-off. We want to finish with this guy in round one. Tumalizane na yeye mapema tupeane heshima,” he said.
He added that he would campaign for his own candidacy but would accept the opposition’s decision if another contender emerged as the stronger option.
“If I’m unsuccessful, and they persuade me otherwise, that for this man to go, I need to give way, I’ll give way,” he said.
Gachagua’s comments come as opposition figures seek to build a united political front ahead of the 2027 election, with his remarks presenting him as both a presidential contender and a potential coalition partner.