Speaking on September 13, 2025, during a rally in Karatina, Nyeri County, his birthplace, Gachagua urged locals to rally behind his newly formed party, the Democratic Change Party (DCP), which he established in May this year after being expelled from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and removed from office in late 2024.

Addressing the crowd, Gachagua said his presidency would be centered on inclusive governance, assuring Kenyans that no one would be left out of national decision-making.

According to Chimp Reports, Gachagua later wrote on his X account: “We shall liberate Kenya without doubt. It’s only a matter of time. I am in this race for the presidency with one mission  to build a better Kenya where every citizen has a voice in how the country is governed.”

The former Deputy President received a warm welcome in Karatina, where he thanked residents for their support and promised continued collaboration with them.

His declaration sets the stage for a major political showdown with President William Ruto, once his close ally. The two campaigned together under the UDA ticket in 2022, but their partnership quickly soured after assuming office due to ideological and strategic differences.

The fallout culminated in Gachagua’s ouster from UDA and the launch of DCP, where he now serves as Party Leader, alongside former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala as Deputy Leader and former Agriculture Minister Mithika Linturi as National Coordinator.

Gachagua’s announcement has solidified his place as one of the key challengers to President Ruto ahead of the high-stakes 2027 elections.