NAIROBI, Kenya- Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has urged presidential hopefuls seeking support in Central Kenya to prioritise talks with DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua instead of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ahmednasir argued that Gachagua currently commands greater political influence in the region and could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
He singled out Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and presidential aspirant Edwin Sifuna among politicians who should seek Gachagua’s backing if they are serious about building a winning national coalition.
“The right person to sit behind, woo, court and cajole is H.E Rigathi Gachagua,” Ahmednasir said.
He described the former deputy president as one of the country’s most consequential politicians ahead of 2027, second only to President William Ruto.
According to Ahmednasir, Gachagua could either strengthen or weaken presidential campaigns depending on the alliances he forms and the candidate he eventually supports.
“If Kalonzo or Sifuna are serious about winning, they must pay homage to Wamunyoro and stop wasting time with Uhuru,” he said.
Wamunyoro is Gachagua’s political base in Nyeri County, where he has hosted opposition leaders and held consultations since leaving government.
Ahmednasir Dismisses Uhuru’s Influence
Ahmednasir sharply questioned Kenyatta’s ability to deliver significant votes to a presidential candidate, arguing that the former president’s political influence in Central Kenya had declined.
He accused Kenyatta of remaining focused on his political differences with President Ruto instead of developing a clear strategy for the 2027 election.
The lawyer also argued that Kenyatta’s efforts were aimed at remaining politically relevant and weakening Gachagua’s position in the region.
“Gachagua will never play second fiddle to Uhuru,” Ahmednasir said.
He further dismissed the political weight of other Central Kenya leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Ahmednasir estimated that Kenyatta and Kindiki could each deliver between 50,000 and 150,000 votes to a presidential candidate. He did not provide polling data or other evidence supporting the figures.
His remarks come as political leaders intensify negotiations and realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has positioned himself as a leading opposition figure and a key player in ongoing efforts to field a single candidate against President Ruto.
Kenyatta has also returned to active party politics, overseeing leadership changes within the Jubilee Party as opposition groups explore the formation of a broader electoral coalition.
