Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on leaders within Kenya’s opposition to rein in their supporters and discourage statements that could weaken efforts to establish a united political front ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Dallas, Texas, Gachagua said opposition leaders should focus on finding a common strategy rather than allowing individual presidential ambitions to create divisions within the emerging alliance. His remarks come as several opposition figures continue consultations over how to challenge President William Ruto in the next election.
Gachagua particularly criticised remarks suggesting that some supporters would prefer Ruto to remain in office if their preferred opposition candidate does not secure the joint presidential ticket.
He described statements such as “Kama sio Sifuna, wacha Ruto achukue” as retrogressive and nonsensical, warning that such sentiments could undermine the broader objective of opposition unity.
The Democracy for Citizens Party leader urged opposition principals to publicly assure Kenyans that they would support whoever is eventually selected as the coalition’s presidential candidate. He said the focus should be on agreeing on a political formula capable of bringing the opposition together, regardless of which leader receives the ticket.
The debate comes as leaders including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna continue to feature prominently in discussions over the opposition’s 2027 presidential ticket. Recent reports indicate that negotiations remain fluid, with different combinations being considered by various factions.
Gachagua also predicted that one of the opposition principals could eventually leave the coalition after the joint candidate is chosen. He compared the situation with the 2002 election, when Mwai Kibaki was endorsed under the “Kibaki Tosha” campaign while Simeon Nyachae pursued a separate political path.
However, Gachagua said he would remain within the opposition arrangement even if he failed to secure the presidential nomination.
He did not identify the leader he expects to leave, leaving that question unresolved as negotiations continue. His comments nevertheless highlight the challenge opposition leaders face in balancing individual ambitions with the push to present a single candidate in 2027.