NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at a potential political alliance with opposition leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that the door remains open for collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in a Wednesday interview with Musyi FM and other Kamba-language stations, Gachagua addressed speculation about a possible partnership with Odinga, saying the decision ultimately rests with the longtime opposition figure.
“I do not understand Raila’s intentions; it is his choice, depending on whether he wants to be with Ruto and water down his political legacy or on the side of liberating this country.”
Gachagua, who was impeached in October and subsequently removed from President William Ruto’s administration, has been actively engaging opposition leaders in a bid to build a formidable political front against Ruto’s re-election.
Among those he has met are Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Martha Karua (PLP), and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K).
Odinga, who has been the de facto opposition leader since losing to Ruto in 2022, recently softened his stance on the President after backing his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
However, since his defeat to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Odinga has yet to declare his next political move.
Gachagua believes the political landscape is changing, especially with the emergence of Gen Z voters, whom he claims will be instrumental in unseating Ruto.
“Ruto is not getting a vote from the 9 million Kenyan Gen Zs. Whether Raila is with him or not, we will defeat him. Kenyans have already decided Ruto must go home and want a new government that serves them.”
Despite his growing engagements with opposition leaders, Gachagua insists the current focus is on voter mobilization rather than picking a presidential candidate.
“This is a new beginning, and we are on the right footing so far. We will work with Kalonzo, and while it is early to pick a flagbearer, our motive now is mobilizing Kenyans to vote and send this administration home.”
In a separate interview with KTN on Monday, Gachagua urged Odinga’s Nyanza region supporters to view his Mount Kenya region as allies, not adversaries, emphasizing that his issue is with Ruto, not Odinga or his ODM party.
