Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he would campaign even more vigorously for Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka should the opposition settle on him as their joint presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Friday during the Wiper National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Gachagua declared his full commitment to Kalonzo’s bid, saying he would mobilise his followers to ensure victory.
“If the formula we use will help Kalonzo Musyoka to be the only presidential candidate from the opposition, I and my millions of followers will support and campaign for him. What I did for Ruto was only a teaser; the campaign I will undertake will be ten times bigger,” Gachagua said to loud applause from delegates.
The former DP urged Kalonzo to continue building alliances with other opposition leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity ahead of the polls.
“Continue looking for votes, continue building bridges with our colleagues. That is the only way we can secure victory,” he added.
Gachagua also dismissed the likelihood of any third-force candidate outside President William Ruto and a united opposition alliance posing a serious presidential challenge in 2027.
His remarks mark a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. Once a staunch ally of Ruto during the Jubilee era and the 2022 campaign, Gachagua’s political path took a sharp turn after his impeachment in 2024. Since then, he has drawn closer to opposition figures, signaling a possible realignment.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also backed Gachagua’s sentiments, pledging his support for Kalonzo should he emerge as the opposition flagbearer.
“When we sit together and decide you (Kalonzo) will be the candidate, I will support you, and we will support you,” Matiang’i affirmed.
With growing calls for a unified front, Kalonzo Musyoka appears poised to become the face of an increasingly consolidated opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
