NAIROBI, Kenya- In a political twist that could shake up Kenya’s 2027 presidential race, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at the possibility of working with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking in an interview with KTN on Monday, Gachagua stated that he is willing to collaborate with any leader who has Kenya’s best interests at heart—including Raila.
“I am open to working with anybody who means well for the country,” Gachagua said.
He also called on Raila’s supporters from Nyanza to stop viewing Mt. Kenya residents as adversaries, emphasizing that their discontent lies with the Kenya Kwanza administration, not with the former Prime Minister.
Rigathi Gachagua: I want to take this opportunity to tell Raila’s supporters from Nyanza not to fight the mountain people becausewe are not their enemies at all. We have a problem with the president not Raila Odinga. #GachaguaOnKTN @TheJesseRogers @rigathi
The Political Landscape: Gachagua’s Growing List of Allies
Gachagua’s remarks mark a notable shift in political alliances, with the former DP highlighting his ongoing cooperation with figures like Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa.
“We are not opposed to working with Raila. Already, we are working with Kalonzo and Wamalwa, alongside other like-minded leaders,” he maintained.
His comments come at a time when Mt. Kenya politics is in flux, with many leaders reassessing their positions as the 2027 elections inch closer.
Clearing the Air: No Grudge Against Raila
Addressing speculation that Mt. Kenya voters are against Raila, Gachagua dismissed claims that the region celebrated Raila’s loss in the African Union Commission chairperson race.
“Some people are blaming Mt. Kenya just because a few women in Kirinyaga celebrated his loss,” he said, adding that his focus is on forging new alliances after months of consultations in over 450 meetings.
Gachagua also took the opportunity to clarify that Raila was not behind the move, despite some ODM legislators voting in favor of his removal.
“It was not Raila who orchestrated the impeachment,” he explained, signaling a willingness to move past past political rivalries.
As Kenya’s political chessboard continues to shift, Gachagua’s openness to Raila Odinga adds a new layer of intrigue to the 2027 presidential race.
Whether this signals the beginning of a political realignment or just a strategic maneuver remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Kenyan politics is never short on surprises.
