NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has thrown his support behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, saying the Linda Mwananchi principal should not be discouraged from seeking the presidency because of his age.
Gachagua said Sifuna is among several serious contenders who could challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“Whether I can support Sifuna, why not? We have very serious presidential candidates, and Sifuna is one of them,” Gachagua said.
He also named himself, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Sifuna among politicians who could potentially contest for the presidency.
Gachagua dismissed remarks by Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli that Sifuna was too young to seek the presidency and should wait.
“Atwoli is telling Sifuna that he is too young and that he should wait. Sifuna is above 18. The guy is 44 years old,” Gachagua said, pointing to former US President Barack Obama, who was elected at 47.
He urged Sifuna to pursue his ambitions and convince Kenyans that he is the best candidate to defeat Ruto.
“I have told my younger brother Edwin Sifuna, don’t be discouraged by anybody, go for it. If you persuade us that you are the best person to take President Ruto home, we shall give you,” he said.
Gachagua said the opposition should remain open to forming alliances ahead of the 2027 election, including arrangements that could see presidential candidates become running mates.
“If we do our arithmetic and we find that Sifuna will be the one to take Ruto home, so be it,” he said.
He said he could deputise Sifuna, while Sifuna could also deputise him, adding that either of them could work with Musyoka in a similar arrangement.
“I see a solution where we can blend youthful energy with experience for our country,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president also criticised the tendency to describe young politicians as “leaders of tomorrow”, arguing that younger leaders should be allowed to take up national leadership positions now.
“We cannot be telling our young leaders that they are leaders of tomorrow. That is misusing them. They are leaders of today,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks signal growing openness among opposition figures to a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with the possibility of combining younger politicians with more experienced leaders emerging as part of the alliance debate.
