Gachagua Says He May Move to U.S. If Opposition Fails in 2027 Election

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told a vernacular television station on Sunday night that he could permanently move to the United States with his family if the opposition does not unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua, who heads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), said the political direction of the Mt Kenya region is crucial, warning that a divided electorate could hurt the opposition’s chances.

He maintained that the opposition has enough support to defeat Ruto but cautioned that internal rivalries might give the incumbent an advantage.

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

The former deputy president placed part of his political future in the hands of Mt Kenya voters, urging them to resist competing interests and rally behind one presidential candidate.

"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 added.

He said he could decide to leave before the 2027 polls if he becomes convinced that regional leaders are misleading voters and preventing a united front.

"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," Gachagua said.

Gachagua emphasized that he has already tried to bring together Mt Kenya’s political leadership and would not accept blame if the region fails to heed 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.

The comments follow Gachagua’s recent return to Kenya after an extended visit to the United States, during which he reportedly met Kenyans living abroad and spent time at his American residence.