Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has declared that if the only alternative to President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race is Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, he would rather vote for Ruto.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, June 8, 2026, Wambugu, a vocal critic of the former deputy president, said that Gachagua is currently a worse option than Ruto. “If you tell me you are replacing Gachagua with Ruto, I will vote for Ruto. Because Gachagua, at this moment in time, is much worse than Ruto. Kama ‘Wantam’ ni Gachagua; wacha Ruto afanye ‘Tutam’,” Wambugu stated.
Despite being a member of the WamTam movement, Wambugu argued that it is better to support Ruto’s bid for a second term than to back Gachagua, whom he described as less capable than the president. He also criticized the United Opposition’s preparations for the 2027 elections, claiming that none of its principals present a credible alternative to Ruto.
According to Wambugu, the opposition’s hesitation to name a flag bearer stems from internal competition and a lack of a unifying candidate. “They keep dilly-dallying because, as things stand now, they all want to vie for the top seat,” he said, adding that the coalition will eventually have to settle on one candidate to face Ruto.
He dismissed the United Opposition’s delay in unveiling its presidential candidate as a political gimmick that may ultimately fail. Wambugu has recently been vocal about internal wrangles within the Jubilee Party and the broader opposition coalition. He has also challenged the appointment of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as Jubilee’s deputy party leader and proposed presidential flag bearer, a matter currently before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua has maintained that he will contest the presidency in 2027, insisting that nothing will deter him. His supporters have continued to rally behind him despite his impeachment, arguing that he remains the strongest challenger to President Ruto in the upcoming polls.
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