Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has predicted that one opposition principal will walk away after a joint presidential candidate is selected to face President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Speaking to Kenyans living in Dallas, United States, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader compared the current opposition realignment to the events of the 2002 General Election. Gachagua recalled a meeting at Uhuru Park where opposition leaders rallied behind former President Mwai Kibaki under the slogan “Kibaki Tosha”, signalling their decision to support him as the presidential candidate.
Gachagua said the current political developments reminded him of the events preceding the 2002 election, when leaders opposed to then President Daniel arap Moi sought to unite behind a single candidate. He recalled that Simeon Nyachae, one of the presidential contenders, declined to join the arrangement. Gachagua said he expected a similar development to unfold ahead of the 2027 election, as opposition leaders seek to agree on a single candidate to challenge Ruto. He made the remarks while addressing Kenyans in the United States.
The DCP leader did not identify the opposition leader he expects to abandon the coalition, but his remarks come as several opposition principals position themselves for the 2027 presidential contest. Gachagua has previously challenged opposition leaders seeking the presidential ticket to publicly commit to supporting whoever is eventually selected as the coalition's flagbearer. He said such a commitment should apply even to leaders who fail to secure the ticket.
Gachagua, who has declared his interest in the 2027 presidential race, said he would remain within the opposition arrangement even if he was not selected as its presidential flagbearer. He stated that he would support whoever is picked as the opposition flagbearer unconditionally. Gachagua challenged his political colleagues to make a similar public commitment to Kenyans.
The former Deputy President made the remarks while interacting with Kenyans living in Dallas, United States. He stated that history would repeat itself, with one presidential candidate being announced and one person walking away. Gachagua expressed confidence that the single presidential candidate would be elected by 75 per cent of the Kenyan vote.
Gachagua's prediction comes as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election. The election is scheduled to take place in 316 days, 19 hours, and 1 minute. Several opposition leaders have already positioned themselves for the presidential contest, with some expected to form alliances to challenge President Ruto.
Gachagua's comments have sparked debate among Kenyans, with some agreeing with his assessment and others disagreeing. The issue of opposition unity has been a contentious topic in Kenyan politics, with some leaders calling for a united front to challenge the ruling party.
Key points
- One opposition principal will walk away after a joint presidential candidate is selected.
- Gachagua expects history to repeat itself, citing the 2002 General Election.
- Gachagua has declared his interest in the 2027 presidential race and pledged to support the coalition's flagbearer.
