Gachagua arrives in western Kenya for three-day tour

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua arrived in Western Kenya on Friday morning for a series of public rallies as he seeks to consolidate support in the region ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gachagua has declared interest in the presidency, although his eligibility to contest remains subject to court interpretation following his controversial impeachment in 2024.

Under the constitution, impeachment bars an individual from holding public office.

On June 8, the High Court sitting at the Milimani Law Courts upheld Gachagua's impeachment, dismissing several of his claims, including assertions that his removal from office was politically motivated.

However, the three-judge bench found that the Senate violated his rights by failing to adjourn proceedings after he fell ill during the impeachment hearing.

The court awarded him Sh50 million in compensation for the violation of his right to a fair hearing.

Gachagua dismissed the award as inadequate and vowed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The DCP leader arrived at the Kisumu International Airport early Friday ahead of the three-day tour and was received by DCP Deputy party leader Cleophas Malala and other party officials from Kisumu county.

Gachagua has emerged as one of the leading voices within the opposition coalition that brings together Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.

The group, which has branded itself the United Alternative Government, has pledged to unite behind a common agenda aimed at unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

While the coalition is yet to agree on a single presidential candidate, Gachagua recently declared himself the most suitable opposition figure to challenge Ruto, citing his ability to mobilise significant voter support, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

Ahead of the Western Kenya tour, Gachagua held talks in Nairobi with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Thursday.

“I am very happy that Governor Natembeya, just like me and my colleagues in the United Alternative Government, is clear that the only way to liberate our country is to identify one presidential candidate to face Mr William Ruto on August 10, 2027,” Gachagua said after the meeting.

Natembeya, a fierce critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, is among the most vocal leaders from the Western region and is widely viewed as a key mobiliser for the opposition in the vote-rich bloc.

Gachagua said he briefed the governor on the outcome of his 45-day stakeholder engagement initiative at his Wamunyoro home, which sought to build consensus around the selection of a single presidential candidate for the opposition alliance.

He has assured me that the same conversation is now active in Western Kenya and that, indeed, the whole country is united in demanding change that will restore our nation,” Gachagua said.

During the tour, Gachagua is expected to traverse much of the Western Kenya region, including stops in Luanda, Khwirumbi, Khayega, Malava, Mayuge and Shikomari, as he intensifies efforts to broaden the opposition's support base ahead of the next General Election.