NAIROBI, Kenya — The Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) has denied reports that party leader Kalonzo Musyoka reached an exclusive political agreement with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a recent meeting at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, WPF said the meeting between the two leaders and other opposition figures did not result in any political pact ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party was responding to media reports suggesting that Kalonzo and Gachagua had reached an agreement over their political cooperation and the opposition’s 2027 strategy.
“We wish to set the record straight: no such exclusive deal exists,” WPF said.
Why Kalonzo met Gachagua
According to WPF, the meeting held on August 17, 2026, was convened by Gachagua as an appreciation event for Wiper MPs and senators who supported him during his impeachment proceedings.
“The meeting held on 17th August 2026 at the Wamunyoro Residence was convened by H.E. Rigathi Gachagua to thank WPF Members of Parliament and Senators for the solidarity they showed him during his impeachment,” the party said.
The clarification comes amid intensified efforts by opposition leaders to forge a united political vehicle ahead of the 2027 polls.
WPF said it remains committed to working with other opposition parties but stressed that any eventual coalition arrangement would have to emerge through broader consultations rather than an exclusive agreement between two leaders.
“WPF remains committed to building a strong, principled coalition with its sister parties in the United Alternative Government In Waiting,” the party said.
It added that discussions would continue through an “open, transparent and inclusive” process guided by shared democratic values and the interests of Kenyans.
Kalonzo open to supporting Sifuna, Gachagua
The WPF statement comes shortly after Kalonzo signalled his willingness to support other opposition leaders if they emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate.
“I have no problem supporting Sifuna at all. I am also quite sure that Sifuna has no problem supporting me either,” Kalonzo said.
He also reiterated his willingness to work with Gachagua, pointing to his decision to support the former deputy president during his impeachment proceedings.
“I have no problem supporting Gachagua; I stood with him at the hour of need during his impeachment,” he said.
Kalonzo’s position reflects the broader push among opposition leaders to prevent individual presidential ambitions from splitting their support ahead of the 2027 election.
Opposition unity remains central
The Wiper leader has repeatedly argued that opposition unity will be crucial to mounting a credible challenge to President William Ruto in 2027.
Kalonzo said the opposition’s ability to remain united was more important than the identity of the individual eventually chosen to lead the coalition.
“We are aware that William Ruto’s only way to survive is to divide the united opposition. If we succeed in holding together. It matters not who is actually the flag bearer. It’s a common cause,” he said.
His remarks underline the political balancing act facing opposition leaders, including Kalonzo, Gachagua, Sifuna and other potential presidential contenders.
