Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged opposition principals to prepare their supporters for a joint presidential bid ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to Kenyans in Dallas, Texas, he called for unity regardless of which leader eventually secures the opposition's presidential ticket.
Gachagua Calls for Commitment to Opposition Deal
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the opposition's candidate should be determined through an agreed formula rather than individual political ambitions. He also urged the principals to publicly commit to supporting whoever is eventually selected to represent the coalition.
Gachagua took issue with remarks suggesting that President William Ruto could be supported if a particular opposition candidate failed to secure the ticket. He described such sentiments as counterproductive to the unity being pursued by the opposition ahead of the next General Election.
The remarks were made as several opposition figures continue negotiations over how a joint political vehicle and presidential ticket could be structured. Among the figures involved in the wider opposition discussions are Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
One Principal Could Leave Coalition
Gachagua also predicted that one of the opposition principals could eventually leave the coalition after a presidential candidate is selected. He compared the situation with the 2002 General Election, when opposition leaders rallied behind Mwai Kibaki while presidential candidate 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 said he would support whichever candidate emerges from the negotiations, presenting his position as a commitment to the broader coalition arrangement.
Opposition Ticket Talks Continue
The identity of the principal Gachagua expects to leave the coalition was not disclosed. His prediction comes as opposition leaders continue discussions over the timing and formula for selecting a common presidential candidate.
Recent reports indicate that opposition formations remain divided over whether the candidate should be identified early or selected later after the competing principals have assessed their political positions.
Gachagua's latest remarks have therefore added another dimension to the ongoing negotiations. The opposition principals are expected to continue consultations as they seek an arrangement capable of keeping the various political formations together ahead of the 2027 polls.
