Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims of divisions within the opposition, insisting that leaders will unite behind one presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. Gachagua made these remarks while hosting a visiting delegation at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday. He emphasized that attempts by government allies to portray opposition leaders as divided would not succeed.
Gachagua said the opposition had already agreed to present a single candidate against Ruto, regardless of the political differences that may emerge along the way. He assured Kenyans that the opposition, including the Linda Mwananchi faction, would give the country one single presidential candidate to face Ruto and take him home. This move aims to strengthen their political alliance and challenge Ruto's re-election bid.
Gachagua dismissed reports suggesting that Kalonzo Musyoka could walk away from the opposition or that he and other leaders would eventually fall out over the 2027 succession contest. He stated that the current political developments reminded him of the events leading to the 2002 General Election, when leaders within the then opposition united behind former President Mwai Kibaki to end Kanu's 24-year rule.
Recalling the 2002 events, Gachagua said supporters of the then President Daniel arap Moi had predicted that opposition leaders would fail to agree on a common candidate. However, the opposition eventually rallied behind Kibaki on October 14, 2002, setting the stage for the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc) victory in the December election. Kibaki went on to defeat Kanu candidate Uhuru Kenyatta in the December 2002 presidential election.
Gachagua also referred to the period after Kibaki was involved in a road accident during the 2002 campaign, saying political opponents had expected the opposition's plans to collapse. He argued that, just as the opposition overcame doubts and rallied behind Kibaki, the current opposition would settle on one candidate despite speculation about its unity.
The former Deputy President accused Ruto's allies of attempting to create divisions among opposition leaders by fuelling speculation about disagreements over the presidential ticket. Gachagua had earlier hosted former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu at his Wamunyoro residence, as he continues consultations with political figures. This comes as different political formations seek to build a coalition capable of challenging Ruto's re-election bid.
The opposition's ability to agree on a joint presidential candidate remains a key question. Gachagua's assertions aim to reassure Kenyans that the opposition will present a united front against Ruto in the 2027 elections. Key to this effort is the unity of opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and the Linda Mwananchi faction, behind a single presidential candidate.
Key points
- Gachagua dismisses claims of divisions within opposition
- Opposition agrees to present single presidential candidate against Ruto
- Gachagua draws parallels with 2002 opposition unity behind Kibaki
