Gachagua Vows to Abolish Housing Levy if Coalition Wins

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his plans to establish a grand coalition to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

This announcement was made during the launch of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (Dap-K) headquarters in Karen, where Gachagua highlighted the coalition's central goal to remove Ruto from power. Gachagua, whose new party has yet to be named, calls for unity among opposition leaders, urging them to prioritize collective interests over personal ambitions. He invites like-minded political parties to join this coalition, emphasizing the need for a concerted effort to relieve Kenyans from what he describes as an oppressive regime under Ruto.

The former Deputy President is currently discussing the formation of the coalition with notable political figures, including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. One of the pressing issues the coalition aims to tackle is the controversial housing levy, which Gachagua has pledged to abolish to safeguard the dignity of Kenyan workers’ earnings. Gachagua also critiques the Kenya Kwanza administration's approach to corruption, alleging that economic crimes connected to various projects have plagued the government.

He doubts the President's genuine commitment to combatting these issues, suggesting that some initiatives appear to serve as lucrative ventures for a few select companies rather than as true anti-corruption measures. In addressing labour rights, Gachagua criticizes Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli for inadequately protecting workers from new taxation measures, asserting that Atwoli has instead sided with the President.

He also condemns Ruto's recent tour of western Kenya, claiming it was more a personal assault on his character than a genuine effort to respond to the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. Echoing Gachagua's views, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka emphasizes the need for a strategic approach ahead of the 2027 elections. He has announced the formation of a team of experts tasked with analyzing critical issues and devising strategies to counteract what he terms the ruling party's manipulative tactics.

Musyoka cites alarming instances of abductions and enforced disappearances as further justification for the coalition's objective of removing Ruto from office. He highlights the critical need to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes to prevent manipulation during the elections. Dap-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has reaffirmed the coalition’s dedication to securing votes from the Western and Nyanza regions. He cites the recent merger of Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress with Ruto's United Democratic Alliance as a noteworthy development within the political landscape.

Additionally, the coalition's focus will stretch to Nairobi County, where Tony Gachoka has declared an intent to contest the incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja. With unified efforts from coalition leaders, there is a concerted determination to consolidate support and present a strong challenge to Ruto's presidency in the forthcoming elections.