Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reaffirmed that the United Opposition will remain intact and will, at an appropriate time, field a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking during a church service at Christ Dominion Ministries in Kasarani, Nairobi, Gachagua accused the government of orchestrating efforts to divide the Opposition but insisted the attempts had failed.
“I want to assure you that we are steadfast and will remain united in the Opposition. We will liberate this country together,” he said.
Gachagua claimed there had been sustained efforts to lure Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to the government side, describing the attempts as desperate.
“There have been efforts to woo Kalonzo to their side. They
have been trailing him everywhere and inviting him to join them, but I want to
assure you that my cousin here cannot betray the people of Kenya,” Gachagua
asserted.
He said that after failing to win over Kalonzo, the government had shifted strategy and was now attempting to drive a wedge between the two leaders.
“The relationship between Kalonzo and I is not about leadership, it is not about politics, it is not about the presidency — it is family. Blood is thicker than water. If you think you can divide a family, forget it,” he said.
Gachagua added that communities in Mt Kenya and Ukambani had long suffered due to political divisions but were now charting a united path.
“We will sit as a family and all our decisions going forward will be family decisions,” he said.
He praised Wiper’s growing popularity in Nairobi, crediting the party for supporting ODM over many electoral cycles.
Gachagua said the emerging alliance between the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) and Wiper would ensure minimal internal competition in future elections.
“Where Wiper is strong, DCP will support Wiper. Where DCP is strong, we will request Wiper to support DCP — and in the process we take all seats,” he said.
Gachagua clarified that ODM was not being sidelined but urged the party to resist overtures from the government.
“We are asking ODM to join us. Even if you do not want to sit with me, sit with Kalonzo — you have been together with him for 15 years,” he said.
“We want the face of Kenya in Nairobi, and we do not want ODM to be left behind.”
He said the Opposition was relying on Kalonzo’s experience to craft a winning strategy for Nairobi ahead of 2027.
However, he warned that if ODM chose to align with the government, the coalition would move forward without them.
“But if they decide to follow Ruto, then we cannot help them.”
Gachagua described Kalonzo as a patriotic and trustworthy leader, noting their growing political chemistry over the past year.
“I have worked with Kalonzo for one year now, and I have come to the realization that he is an honest man. He is a patriot and we will walk with him and the rest of Kenya,” he said.
