Nairobi, Kenya- Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has signaled a willingness to work with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 general elections—but only if their alliance is grounded in ideology, not tribal affiliations.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Omtatah, who has already declared his presidential ambitions, emphasized that any collaboration must focus on dismantling the current executive presidency and promoting civic republicanism.
“I would work with him (Gachagua), why not?” said Omtatah. “But it will be on the question of the ideological framework.
I am a Civic Republican. If it’s a policy framework that begins with dismantling the executive presidency, I will support anybody who helps us achieve the emancipation of Kenyans.”
However, he firmly ruled out joining forces with any group that centers its agenda on tribal politics.
“If we have a clear policy agreement—not an agreement of tribes—that I can support. But I cannot be part of a tribal arrangement,” Omtatah added.
Skepticism Over United Opposition’s Agenda
The outspoken senator also criticized the emerging opposition alliance, which has been dubbed the United Opposition. He accused the group of lacking a coherent policy direction and relying on slogans such as “One term” and “Ruto must go” without offering alternative governance ideas.
“I have not seen any ideology match from the Opposition camp. Even President William Ruto has challenged the united opposition to show its policy. I have also not seen a policy framework that has come from there,” said Omtatah.
2027 Presidential Bid Still On
Omtatah reiterated his determination to run for president in 2027, even if it means doing so without the backing of political heavyweights.
In November 2024, the senator announced his intention to be on the ballot “even as a lone ranger,” declaring that his goal is to usher in a freer, more democratic Kenya.
“It is a fight I’m going to take on so that in 2027, we have a free country,” he said at the time, while unveiling his campaign team.
As the political landscape begins to shift ahead of the next general election, Omtatah’s insistence on ideological partnerships could reshape how coalitions are formed—and signal a departure from the tribal politics that have long dominated Kenya’s electoral playbook.
