Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that President William Ruto will not attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Kenya’s president next year, as he renewed his campaign to unseat him in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to Kenyans living in the diaspora in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, September 25, Gachagua said Ruto’s recent trip to New York for the annual UNGA meeting would be his final one as Kenya’s president.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he was committed to defeating Ruto in the 2027 presidential election and suggested that he would be the person representing Kenya at the international gathering next year.
“And I want to commit to you; this UNGA meeting that Ruto had attended here in New York will be his last next year; it will be me,” Gachagua said.
His remarks came as opposition leaders continued efforts to build a united political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Several opposition formations, including the United Alternative Government and the Linda Mwananchi movement, have been exploring ways of working together through joint meetings, rallies and other political activities.
Opposition leaders are also expected to formally commit to maintaining unity as they prepare for the elections, with discussions expected on how to eventually settle on a single presidential candidate.
Kenya’s presidential election requires a candidate to secure more than half of the valid votes cast and meet the constitutional geographical distribution threshold to win in the first round.
Gachagua has in recent days intensified his criticism of the Ruto administration while outlining issues he says would be central to his political campaign.
The former Deputy President’s latest declaration places the 2027 presidential contest at the centre of his political activities as opposition groups continue positioning themselves ahead of the election.