Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he will relocate to the United States if President William Ruto wins re-election in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), made the declaration during an interview with Inooro TV on Sunday, November 1, warning that he would leave Kenya if the opposition fails to defeat the incumbent.
The former Deputy President revealed that he owns a house in the US, where he would move should Ruto secure a second presidential term.
“Ruto will try to use our people to split the region, and if I see that happening, I know that Ruto will be re-elected. And if he is re-elected, we will be in trouble, but I won’t be here. I will be in America. I have a house there,” Gachagua said.
He further linked his possible departure to political divisions within the Mount Kenya region, arguing that unity would be critical in defeating Ruto.
“We cannot allow the Mt Kenya Region to be divided. I know we will defeat Ruto if we unite as the region, but if we don’t, Ruto will be re-elected, and if that happens, I will board a plane and go to the U.S. I have a home there,” he added.
The remarks come days after Gachagua returned to Kenya following several weeks in the United States, where he held engagements with Kenyans living in the diaspora.
During his stay, the former Deputy President shared photographs of a residence in Dallas, Texas, prompting questions about whether he owned the property.
He later confirmed ownership, describing the residence as his “home away from home”.
His remarks also come amid growing discussions among opposition leaders about forming a united political front to challenge Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has repeatedly called on Mount Kenya leaders and voters to unite, arguing that divisions in the region could strengthen Ruto’s re-election bid.
However, disagreements have emerged among opposition figures over leadership, political influence and the formation of a coalition.
Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i recently criticised Gachagua’s approach, warning that what he described as arrogance could undermine efforts to unite opposition leaders.
Gachagua has maintained that a united opposition, particularly in Mount Kenya, would have a better chance of defeating the President.
His latest declaration introduces the possibility of relocating to the US should Ruto win another term, although he did not announce a specific departure date.
