Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has declared that the opposition will remain united and field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 elections, dismissing government attempts to divide the coalition.
Gachagua made the remarks on 7 December during a church service at Christ Dominion Ministries in Kasarani, Nairobi. He told worshippers the opposition was stronger than ever despite persistent efforts to break it.
Government accused of divide-and-rule tactics
The former deputy president claimed President Ruto government had repeatedly tried to lure Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka into an alliance.
“They have been trailing him everywhere and inviting him to join them, but I want to assure you that my cousin here cannot betray the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
He added that after failing to win Musyoka over, the government was now trying to create a rift between the two leaders. “The relationship between Kalonzo and me is not about leadership, politics or the presidency — it is family. Blood is thicker than water. If you think you can divide a family, forget it,” he declared.
Gachagua said communities in Mount Kenya region and Ukambani had suffered for decades because of political divisions but were now charting a united path.
“We will sit as a family and all our decisions going forward will be family decisions,” he told the congregation.
Alliance strategy for Nairobi and beyond
Gachagua praised Wiper growing influence in Nairobi and its long-standing support for Orange Democratic Movement in previous elections.
He outlined a cooperation pact between his Democratic Congress Party and Wiper that would see the two parties back each other’s candidates in strongholds to sweep seats.
“Where Wiper is strong, Democratic Congress Party will support Wiper. Where Democratic Congress Party is strong, we will request Wiper to support Democratic Congress Party — and in the process we take all seats,” he explained.
Olive branch and warning to Orange Democratic Movement
The former deputy president urged Orange Democratic Movement not to be left behind and extended an invitation to join the emerging coalition. “Even if you do not want to sit with me, sit with Kalonzo — you have been together with him for 15 years,” Gachagua said.
He described Musyoka experience as key to crafting a winning strategy in Nairobi but warned that if Orange Democratic Movement chose to side with the government, the opposition would move on without it. “If they decide to follow Ruto, then we cannot help them,” he stated.
Praise for Musyoka and confidence in unity
Gachagua lavished praise on the Wiper leader, calling him a patriot and honest partner. “I have worked with Kalonzo for one year now, and I have come to the realisation that he is an honest man. He is a patriot and we will walk with him and the rest of Kenya,” he said.
The church service, marked by loud cheers and applause, highlighted Gachagua determination to keep the opposition together less than two years to the next general election.
With recent by-election setbacks still fresh and occasional internal differences surfacing, his core message remained clear: unity built on family ties and regional solidarity is the opposition strongest weapon against President Ruto government in 2027.
