Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has declared his intention to run for the presidency, claiming that Kenyans across the country have urged him to vie against President William Ruto. Speaking to a charged crowd in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the former Deputy President urged the Mount Kenya region to remain united ahead of the 2027 general election so that they can remove Ruto from power.
Gachagua announced an aggressive campaign strategy to court voters outside his Mt Kenya base, starting with a high-stakes visit to Emurua Dikirr tomorrow to woo the Kalenjin community. However, the DCP leader claimed his life is in danger, alleging that President Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen are plotting to orchestrate disruptions during his Rift Valley tour.
Despite the alleged intimidation, the former second-in-command vowed not to back down from his political itinerary. He assured his supporters that the local Kalenjin residents have already promised to guarantee his security throughout the visit.
Gachagua also revealed his plans to conduct several tours in the Mt. Kenya region including visit to Embu and Kikuyu over the next few days before flying out to the United States next week for a series of diaspora engagements.