Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly dismissed attempts by allies of President William Ruto to recruit Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka into the government. Gachagua made the remarks during a church service at PCEA Kamangu in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County. He described Kalonzo as a trustworthy leader who would not abandon the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua's comments come amid reports of a coordinated push by Kenya Kwanza figures to convince Kalonzo to cross the floor.
According to Gachagua, those wooing Kalonzo are offering him a running mate slot, a claim he finds implausible. "I have seen people in government trying very hard to woo Kalonzo, telling him to join them because he will not get anything in the opposition. They want to make him think that he will get the running mate slot. Who can believe that?" Gachagua posed. He defended Kalonzo's character, arguing that the Wiper leader had matured politically and could no longer be swayed by such offers.
Gachagua has positioned himself as the official intermediary for anyone seeking to engage Kalonzo, using the language of kinship to reinforce his message. "I want to tell Ruto's allies to stop bothering Kalonzo. Kalonzo is our cousin, and I, Rigathi Gachagua, am the family spokesman. If there is anything you want from Kalonzo, come to me," he said. He specified that any such engagements should take place at his Wamunyoro home rather than his Nairobi residence.
The remarks signal a continued effort by Gachagua to consolidate opposition unity around Kalonzo as both leaders position themselves for the next election cycle. Gachagua's move is seen as an attempt to strengthen his relationship with Kalonzo and other opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 polls. The Wiper party leader has been a key figure in the opposition, and Gachagua's comments are likely to be seen as a boost to his campaign.
Gachagua's comments come at a time when there are reports of a broad-based effort to persuade Kalonzo to back President Ruto. Kipchumba Murkomen, a key ally of Ruto, has been part of the efforts to woo Kalonzo. However, Gachagua's comments suggest that such efforts are unlikely to succeed. Kalonzo has been a vocal critic of the Ruto administration, and it remains to be seen whether he will change his stance ahead of the 2027 polls.
The DCP leader declared himself Kalonzo's family spokesman and challenged Ruto allies to route any requests through him. He emphasized that Kalonzo was a trustworthy leader who would not betray the people of Kenya. Gachagua's comments are likely to be seen as a show of support for Kalonzo, who has been a key figure in the opposition.
The developments are likely to have significant implications for the 2027 General Election. Gachagua's comments suggest that the opposition is likely to remain united, with Kalonzo playing a key role. The Kenya Kwanza government will likely face challenges in its efforts to woo opposition leaders, with Gachagua's comments serving as a warning to Ruto's allies.
Key points
- Gachagua dismisses efforts to woo Kalonzo Musyoka into Kenya Kwanza government.
- Kalonzo Musyoka described as trustworthy leader who won't abandon opposition.
- Gachagua positions himself as Kalonzo's family spokesman.
