Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua meets Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Nairobi on June 11, 2026 / HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Thursday held talks with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya ahead of a planned political tour of the Western Kenya region by opposition leaders.
The two met over breakfast in Nairobi, where they discussed preparations for the United Alternative Government's tour of the region, which is scheduled to begin on Friday.
Gachagua said the discussions focused on mobilising support for the opposition and building momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I have had a fruitful and engaging breakfast meeting with my cousin and former colleague, Governor George Natembeya, here in Nairobi. We have discussed the forthcoming tour of the Western Kenya region by the United Alternative Government starting tomorrow,” Gachagua said.
According to Gachagua, Natembeya briefed him on the growing support among residents of Western Kenya for political change and their willingness to join other Kenyans in pushing for a new administration.
The former deputy president said the two leaders also discussed the need for opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
“I am very happy that Governor Natembeya, just like colleagues and me in the United Alternative Government, is clear that the only way to liberate our country is to identify one presidential candidate to face President Ruto on August 10, 2027,” he said.
Gachagua briefed the governor on his ongoing 45-day stakeholder engagement exercise at his Wamunyoro residence, which he said is aimed at building consensus among his supporters on the selection of a single opposition flag bearer.
The consultations, he noted, are guided by the philosophy of his party, Democracy for Citizens Party, which emphasises listening to citizens before making major political decisions.
He added that Natembeya had assured him that similar
discussions on opposition unity were taking place across Western Kenya, with
growing calls for a united front ahead of the next polls.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua had proposed that the opposition settle on a joint presidential candidate through scientific opinion polls.
While the position aligns with Jubilee presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i’s stance, it contrasts with camps allied to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
