Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has predicted that one of the opposition’s presidential hopefuls will leave the coalition after a joint candidate is selected to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Speaking to Kenyans living in Dallas, United States, Gachagua compared the current opposition realignment to the events leading up to the 2002 General Election. He recalled how opposition leaders united behind former President Mwai Kibaki under the “Kibaki Tosha” slogan.
Gachagua recounted the 2002 opposition alliance, where opposition leaders rallied behind Kibaki at Uhuru Park, marking a major moment in the run-up to the election. He noted that Simeon Nyachae, a then-presidential contender, declined to join the arrangement and went on to contest alone. Gachagua believes a similar situation could emerge as opposition leaders negotiate over a joint presidential candidate for 2027.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader stated that he expects history to repeat itself, with one of the presidential hopefuls eventually leaving the coalition after the flagbearer is selected. Gachagua did not identify the opposition leader he was referring to. He, however, emphasized that he will support the coalition candidate, even if he does not secure the presidential ticket.
Gachagua, who has declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, expressed his commitment to being part of the winning team. He stated that the eventual opposition candidate would receive 75 per cent of the Kenyan vote. Gachagua previously called on opposition principals seeking the presidential ticket to publicly commit to supporting whoever is eventually selected.
The DCP leader emphasized the importance of accepting the outcome of the nomination process to maintain opposition unity. He stated that he will support whoever is picked as the opposition flagbearer unconditionally, should he not secure the nomination himself. Gachagua made these remarks while addressing Kenyans in the United States.
Gachagua drew parallels between the current opposition dynamics and the events of 2002, citing similarities in the discussions and negotiations taking place. He noted that just as Daniel arap Moi’s supporters had certain expectations in 2002, William Ruto’s people are currently voicing their opinions.
Gachagua’s prediction comes amid ongoing negotiations among opposition leaders to select a joint candidate for the 2027 General Election. The outcome of these negotiations and Gachagua’s prediction remain to be seen as the election approaches.
Key points
- Gachagua predicts one opposition presidential hopeful will leave the coalition after the flagbearer is selected.
- He draws parallels between current opposition dynamics and the 2002 election.
- Gachagua commits to supporting the coalition candidate, even if he does not secure the presidential ticket.
