NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown down the political gauntlet, declaring that the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru, and Akamba (GEMA) communities will be the power brokers in Kenya’s next government—whether or not veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga joins their cause.
Speaking at a church service in Machakos, Gachagua stated, “GEMA is the key to Kenya’s future. GEMA will form the next government.”
His remarks signal a deepening divide within Kenya’s political landscape as the country edges closer to the 2027 elections.
Gachagua, ousted from President William Ruto’s inner circle last October, is now positioning himself as a political kingmaker.
Rigathi Gachagua: If Mzee Raila wants to work with Ruto, then that is fine; we are not begging him. We have the numbers to send both of them home.
He insists that GEMA’s numerical strength guarantees them a win in the next elections.
“We’ve done the math. The numbers are solid, with or without Raila,” he assured supporters.
His sharpest criticism, however, was reserved for President Ruto.
Gachagua claimed that Ruto’s political survival now hinges on Raila’s influence.
“Right now, Ruto is on a life support machine called Raila. If Raila pulls the plug, it’s over,” he remarked, predicting the president would struggle to hold onto power in 2027.
He even went as far as forecasting Ruto’s electoral downfall: “Ruto will be third or fourth in 2027.”
Gachagua renames Ukambani ‘Mt Kenya South cousins,’ urges unity with GEMA behind Kalonzo for a stronger vote. In Machakos, he vows GEMA will lead Kenya’s next gov’t—and for 100 yrs. #UzalendoNews #Kenyauzalendonews.co.ke/gachagua-renam…
The 100-Year GEMA Strategy and Opposition Realignments
Gachagua’s ambitions go beyond 2027. He envisions a century of political dominance for GEMA.
“If we unite as GEMA, we will be in power for the next 100 years,” he declared.
His statements come just days after he hinted at a willingness to work with Raila, despite previously being a fierce critic.
As Raila and Ruto forge new alliances—reportedly in talks for a broader government—Gachagua has been busy rallying opposition heavyweights.
Building a New Opposition Coalition
Since his fallout with Ruto, Gachagua has been meeting key political figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), and Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
His goal? A formidable opposition to unseat Ruto in 2027.
In a recent interview with Musyi FM, Gachagua was asked whether he would align with Raila.
His response was blunt: “I don’t understand Raila’s intentions. He must choose—stand with Ruto and risk his legacy or join the fight to liberate Kenya.”
He was also quick to highlight the growing dissatisfaction among Gen Z voters. “Ruto isn’t getting a single vote from the 9 million Gen Z Kenyans. Whether Raila joins him or not, we will defeat him.”
As Kenya’s political dynamics shifts, Gachagua is making his move, and he’s betting big on GEMA to take him all the way.
