Rigathi Gachagua’s loud claims of being the frontrunner to unseat President William Ruto in 2027 have hit a wall of public skepticism, following a revealing Facebook poll conducted by former Nyeri Town MP Hon. Ngunjiri Wambugu.
The poll, which asked followers to choose between Ruto and Gachagua in a hypothetical 2027 presidential race, delivered a stinging verdict: Kenyans overwhelmingly prefer Ruto to continue in office, dismissing Gachagua as an unserious contender for the nation’s top job.
The comments on Ngunjiri’s post were brutally honest. One user described Gachagua as “a mad man” who “can never be a threat,” while others accused him of mimicking opposition leader Raila Odinga’s style without offering substantive leadership of his own. The public rebuke exposes a glaring irony: despite Gachagua’s constant refrain that he is “listening to the ground,” he appears deaf to the ground’s clear message—Kenyans do not view him as a viable presidential candidate.
Gachagua’s campaign, built on regional mobilization and the “hustler” narrative, has failed to gain traction beyond his Mt. Kenya base. His recent boast in the United States that he is poised to “send Ruto home” in 2027 has only deepened doubts about his political judgment, with many interpreting it as hubris rather than confidence. Posts on X reflect similar sentiments, with users describing him as a “necessary evil” to challenge Ruto—but not a credible alternative.
“He’s mastered the art of slogans like a content creator, but when it comes to serious national leadership, Kenyans don’t take him seriously,” said political analyst Kevin Kamau.
Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President has been marred by controversy, including accusations of undermining constitutional norms and prioritizing regional interests over national unity. These missteps have cemented his image as a divisive figure—unfit for the presidency in the eyes of many.
Impeached in October 2024 on five counts—including gross violation of the Constitution and incitement of ethnic divisions—Gachagua has struggled to escape the shadow of his controversial term in office. Public sentiment, as captured in Hon. Wambugu’s Facebook poll, reflects a clear preference for President Ruto’s experience over Gachagua’s polarizing rhetoric. That preference speaks volumes about the credibility gap that continues to haunt the impeached Deputy President.
As the 2027 elections approach, Gachagua must reconsider his strategy. His reliance on regional loyalty and catchy slogans may keep him in the headlines, but it won’t take him to State House. The ground has spoken—and this time, he must truly listen.
