Gachagua Says It Is Too Early to Pick Opposition Presidential Candidate

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged opposition leaders to be patient as they work towards forming a united political alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying it is too early to decide who will be the coalition’s presidential candidate.

Speaking during an engagement in Massachusetts, United States, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the immediate priority was to bring opposition leaders together to challenge President William Ruto’s administration. Gachagua said he was ready to put aside his personal ambitions and support a consensus process to select a single presidential candidate. 

He maintained that opposition leaders should focus on building a strong alliance rather than rushing to announce who would lead the coalition into the election. His remarks come amid growing debate over whether leading opposition figures can set aside their individual ambitions and regional interests to support one candidate.

Those frequently mentioned in discussions about the opposition’s presidential contest include former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Gachagua himself.

Gachagua dismissed reports of divisions within the opposition, arguing that the lack of an agreement on leadership did not mean the coalition was falling apart. 

He said negotiations required time and compromise, adding that differences among leaders should not be mistaken for a failure to unite. He also accused government supporters of using regional interests to weaken the opposition.

Gachagua criticised remarks he attributed to a pro-government legislator, alleging that there were attempts to persuade different communities to demand presidential candidates from their own regions. According to Gachagua, such efforts were intended to create divisions among opposition supporters and complicate attempts to reach an agreement on a common candidate.

He compared the alleged tactics to political strategies used during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi, arguing that Kenyan voters are increasingly aware of attempts to divide political movements along regional lines. He said the electorate is becoming more focused on national issues.