‘There is no escape route’, Gachagua says Ruto will have to face Kenyans in 2027 elections

Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Gachagua called on IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon to assure Kenyans that the election will be held as provided for in the Constitution.

The former Deputy President spoke hours after he and other opposition leaders alleged that the government was creating an environment of political instability that could make it difficult to hold the 2027 elections.

The opposition has linked increased attacks and disruptions of its rallies to what it claims is a broader attempt to create grounds for postponing the August 2027 polls.

Gachagua said IEBC should engage political parties and other stakeholders and provide details of its preparations.

"I want to tell Ethekon that the Constitution is very clear that an election for a president and all other leaders must be held every five years. The first Tuesday in August of the fifth year, and that is August 10, 2027. The General Election shall take place," Gachagua said.

Gachagua, who was hosting DCP aspirants from Laikipia County, challenged Ethekon to take Kenyans through the electoral body's level of preparedness.

"What Ethekon must tell us is the level of preparedness. We are asking him now to sit with everybody, including the opposition, and take us through the process and explain to us the level of preparedness, so that we can interrogate the preparedness and make suggestions," he said.

The DCP leader also maintained that President William Ruto would have to face Kenyans at the ballot despite the political tensions being witnessed across the country.

"And there is no escape route, William Ruto. You must face the people of Kenya at the ballot. There is no escape route. Ata ukilete fujo, ata ukilete gangs, ata ukilalamika, ata ukilia, ata ukienda Dubai na kurudi, the election must take place," Gachagua stated.

Gachagua further said he remained committed to campaigning against Ruto and seeking to weaken the President's political support in the Mt Kenya region.

He also sought to clarify controversial remarks he recently made regarding supporters who may be asked to serve as agents for Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party during the election.

Gachagua said his remarks were not a call to prevent UDA agents from performing their duties, but rather an appeal to residents to make their own political choices.

"We are going to persuade everybody to be on our side. To the extent that Ruto atakosa agents, we are not saying tutazuia agent. No. We are saying atajaribu kuuliza nani atakuwa agent, mtu anasema, 'Wacha nifikirie.' Akimuuliza anasema, 'Wacha niulize bibi.' Kwanza ukiskia mtu akisema, 'Wacha niulize bibi,' ujue hiyo maneno amekataa," Gachagua said.

Gachagua's remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders and government officials trading accusations over the use of goons and violence at political gatherings.