Gachagua Says Opposition’s 2027 Candidate Will Remain ‘Secret Weapon’

NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has said the opposition will keep the identity of its joint presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election under wraps until the last possible moment, describing the eventual flagbearer as its “secret weapon.”

Speaking during his ongoing political consultations, Gachagua said opposition leaders had agreed to work towards presenting a single candidate to challenge President William Ruto, but maintained that the timing of the announcement would be a strategic decision.

“The United Opposition’s single presidential candidate will remain our secret weapon until the last minute,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President said the opposition’s priority is to build unity before settling on a presidential flagbearer, arguing that early declarations could distract from efforts to consolidate support across the country.

His latest remarks are consistent with previous statements in which he said his role was to help unite opposition leaders behind one candidate rather than fuel competition within the coalition. 

Gachagua has repeatedly maintained that consultations involving leaders from different political parties are aimed at identifying the strongest candidate to face Ruto in 2027.

Several opposition figures, including Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and Justin Muturi, have been mentioned as possible contenders, although none has been endorsed as the coalition’s preferred candidate.

Gachagua has previously said the opposition will use consultations, opinion polls and consensus to identify a single flagbearer, insisting that unity will be key to mounting a strong challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next General Election.