NAIROBI, Kenya- DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua has praised Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka as one of Kenya’s most principled politicians, as President William Ruto steps up efforts to persuade the former vice-president to support his re-election bid.
Speaking to KTN on Wednesday, October 28, Gachagua said he had changed his view of Kalonzo after studying the Wiper leader’s political history and alliances.
“For many years, I had wrongly been persuaded that Kalonzo has no stand. But what I’ve taken time to study is history,” Gachagua said.
He pointed to Kalonzo’s years of working with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the Wiper leader had remained loyal despite what Gachagua described as repeated betrayals.
“I think he is one of the most pressed leaders in this country. He has been betrayed three times by Raila Odinga, but he still stood with him,” he said.
Gachagua also described Kalonzo as “one of the most principled” leaders in the country.
Gachagua says Kalonzo remains in opposition
Gachagua said Kalonzo remained committed to the opposition following their meeting at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on Monday.
“My cousin Kalonzo. He is steadfast. I talk to him every day. I was with him in Wamunyoro. He is a very committed member of our team,” he said.
The meeting came as opposition leaders continued consultations on building a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election. Wiper and DCP leaders have said they want to agree on a single presidential candidate, though the opposition has yet to settle on a selection formula or announce its flagbearer.
Gachagua also criticised Ruto’s approach to Kalonzo, accusing the President of changing his message depending on the region he is addressing.
He said Ruto had previously criticised the Wiper leader but adopted a friendlier tone during his recent tour of Ukambani.
Ruto appeals to Kalonzo during Ukambani tour
During his October 24–26 tour of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties, Ruto repeatedly appealed to Kalonzo to back his re-election bid.
In Tseikuru, Kitui County, the President recalled campaigning for Kalonzo in 1992 and asked him to return the favour.
Ruto also warned that Kalonzo might face another vetting process within the opposition before a presidential candidate is selected.
He urged the Wiper leader to join him instead.
The President’s remarks came as Kalonzo met Gachagua in Nyeri for talks on opposition cooperation.
Ruto’s overtures have included promises of development in Ukambani and appeals based on their political history.
Kalonzo has previously rejected calls to join the President’s camp, saying in July that they would meet at the ballot.
