Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday, May 29, 2025, joined Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other top opposition figures at Kalonzo’s rural home in Tseikuru, Kitui County, for high-level talks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meeting brought together prominent opposition leaders including PLP’s Martha Karua, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party boss Justin Muturi, and former Cabinet Minister Mukhisa Kituyi. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka represented former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, who is currently out of the country. The strategy session, described by insiders as a critical step towards building a united opposition front, aimed at charting a clear path towards selecting a joint presidential candidate to take on President William Ruto.
Gachagua, who arrived via helicopter alongside his wife Dorcas, was accompanied by allies from the Mt Kenya region in what is widely seen as an effort to broaden his national appeal beyond Central Kenya. The former DP had previously hosted opposition leaders at his Wamunyoro home in a move signaling his growing role in post-Ruto realignment talks.
Kalonzo, who has maintained a hardline stance against joining the Kenya Kwanza government, used the Tseikuru gathering to reaffirm his commitment to the opposition cause. Speaking earlier, he dismissed reports of any backdoor dealings with President Ruto, stating, “This government must go.”
The meeting came just days after President Ruto hosted over 1,600 Ukambani leaders at State House, a move perceived as an attempt to woo the region’s support. However, Kalonzo’s assembly of hundreds of supporters and grassroots leaders in Tseikuru sought to counter that narrative and show his strong regional backing.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi hailed the Tseikuru meeting as a “game-changing” moment for the opposition. “Ukambani will not be left behind in forming the next government led by opposition principals,” he stated.
As pressure mounts on each opposition leader to consolidate their base, the Tseikuru summit marks a significant turning point in the journey toward a unified challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
