KIAMBU, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has told President William Ruto’s allies to stop trying to persuade Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join the government, saying the former Vice President is committed to the opposition.
Speaking at PCEA Kamangu Parish in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, on Sunday, November 1, Gachagua said officials seeking Kalonzo’s support should approach him directly.
He jokingly declared himself the Wiper leader’s “family spokesman” and invited them to his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri.
“Kalonzo is our cousin, and I, Rigathi Gachagua, am the family spokesman. If there is anything you want from Kalonzo, come to me,” he said.
“Do not go to my home in Nairobi. Come to Wamunyoro and tell me what you want from my cousin.”
Gachagua described Kalonzo as a trustworthy leader who would not betray Kenyans by joining Ruto’s camp.
He said the two had worked together over the past two years and dismissed suggestions that the Wiper leader might be tempted by the prospect of a senior position in government.
“I have been with him in the last two years. He is a trustworthy leader and will not betray the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
Government leaders step up appeals
Gachagua’s remarks came amid growing public appeals from Kenya Kwanza leaders for Kalonzo to work with Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and President’s aide Farouk Kibet have all urged him to consider joining the ruling side.
Murkomen said Kalonzo would be welcome in government and that his political and diplomatic experience would be respected.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has also suggested Kalonzo’s chances of securing the opposition’s presidential ticket or running-mate position are slim, and said Ruto was ready to work with him.
The appeals followed Kalonzo’s heckling at the launch of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters, where he challenged the early endorsement of Sifuna as a possible opposition presidential candidate.
Kalonzo rejected the overtures on Sunday, saying he would not join an administration he accused of causing injustice and suffering. He said he intended to face Ruto at the ballot.
Gachagua’s defence of Kalonzo comes as opposition leaders continue discussions about building a united front for the 2027 polls.
The two leaders met at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence on October 26, alongside DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, for consultations on opposition cooperation.
The latest exchange highlights the political contest over Kalonzo’s allegiance as Ruto’s allies seek to draw him into the ruling camp and opposition leaders work to keep him within their coalition.
