WAJIR, Kenya – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ruled out any possibility of joining forces with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, signaling a potential shift in political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Wajir on Wednesday, Raila dismissed speculation about teaming up with Gachagua, instead hinting at a structured working relationship with President William Ruto.
His remarks come as Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka push for a united opposition front against Ruto’s administration.
“The other man said he had set traps everywhere to prevent me from reaching State House for a handshake. So, do you want us to work with someone who set traps for me? I told him that is impossible,” Raila said.
Raila’s rejection of a Gachagua-led alliance could significantly alter opposition dynamics.
Gachagua has been rallying support to position himself as Ruto’s main challenger in 2027, but his bid may falter without Raila’s backing.
Kalonzo, on the other hand, has been vocal about Raila’s role in the opposition.
Before last month’s African Union Commission (AUC) election, he urged Raila to return to opposition politics should his AU chairmanship bid fail.
“Raila is pursuing the African Union seat, and I have encouraged him to go for it. But if things don’t go well, he should return so that we can liberate Kenya,” Kalonzo stated.
However, he also suggested that Raila should consider retiring if his AU ambitions do not materialize.
“I don’t see how Raila Odinga could lose the chairmanship and then come back to lead Azimio. That would not be the Raila I know. He must also have a reality check,” Kalonzo added.
With his AU bid still in play, Raila has been engaging in nationwide consultations, keeping his supporters guessing about his next political move.
While he has not explicitly confirmed a partnership with Ruto, his willingness to engage with the president suggests a shift from traditional opposition politics.
