Veterinary specialist and 2027 presidential aspirant Joseph Chege Mugachia has unveiled a three-pillar agenda that places the rule of law, economic revival and strong independent institutions at the centre of his campaign, saying Kenya can only overcome its long-standing challenges by restoring accountability and focusing on productive growth.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Wednesday, Mugachia said his decision to seek the presidency is driven by the need to confront the same problems that have persisted since independence, arguing that poverty, disease and ignorance continue to deny many Kenyans better lives despite decades of self-rule.
"I want to be president because I'm qualified to start with. The Constitution tells us that you have to be a person of good character, educated up to university level, and you must convince the people that they should elect you. But the most important thing is that the issues our forefathers were discussing in 1963 - poverty, disease and ignorance - are still the same things that are bothering us today."
He said Kenya had failed to keep pace with countries that once shared similar development levels, blaming leaders who abandoned national interests in pursuit of personal gain.
"We keep talking about Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and China. At one point we were at par. So where did we diverge? Where did the rain start beating us? That happened when our leaders thought only about themselves and not about the nation."
According to Mugachia, restoring the rule of law would be the first priority of his administration because it would create the foundation needed to rebuild the economy and strengthen democratic governance.
"I believe in the rule of law, and I practise the rule of law. That is what I would like to see in this country - restoration of the rule of law by belief and practice. That is my priority number one. Once we reset this country back to the rule of law, we can now talk about the economy and elections."
On the economy, Mugachia said Kenya must move away from an economy driven by brokerage and instead invest in sectors that create jobs, increase production and add value.
He identified safety and security, agriculture and the diaspora as key areas that would receive focused investment under his administration.
"I would like us to revive this economy by investing in the productive sectors because this has become a country of brokers. We are killing the nation. I would invest diligently and with a lot of focus, starting with safety and security, agriculture and the diaspora."
Mugachia also pledged to protect the integrity of future elections by ensuring institutions charged with managing the electoral process are allowed to operate independently without political interference.
"I will ensure that we always conduct credible, transparent and accountable elections by guaranteeing the independence of the electoral body, the judiciary and the police. Once people are appointed, they should do their jobs without interference. If they make the wrong decision, they should answer to the law and the judiciary should determine those matters independently."
He added that Parliament should play a stronger oversight role over the Executive, saying constitutional institutions must be allowed to perform their duties independently and within the law to improve accountability and restore public confidence in government.
Mugachia's proposals come as political activity ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election continues to gather momentum, with presidential hopefuls unveiling competing policy platforms to address Kenya's economic, governance and social challenges.
President William Ruto is expected to seek a second term on his economic transformation agenda, while Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has based his campaign on governance reforms and constitutionalism.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, through the Linda Mwananchi movement, is championing grassroots mobilisation and people-centred leadership, while Jubilee-backed Fred Matiang'i is campaigning on governance reforms and improved public service delivery.
PLP leader Martha Karua continues to advocate for the rule of law and the fight against corruption, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua is focusing on political and regional equity, and Safina leader Jimmy Wanjigi is promoting economic reforms.
New entrants Joseph Chege Mugachia and Kakai Bisau are advancing agendas centred on constitutional governance, productive investment, electoral reforms, energy security and green growth.
With Kenyans continuing to grapple with the high cost of living, unemployment, public debt, corruption and insecurity, the 2027 presidential race is expected to attract intense competition as candidates seek to persuade voters with different policy proposals and visions for the country's future.