Gachagua Questions Opposition Unity Ahead of 2027 Election

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has questioned whether Kenya’s opposition parties can remain united ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to members of the Kenyan diaspora in the United States on Sunday, 27 September, the former Deputy President called on opposition leaders to publicly commit to supporting whoever is chosen as the coalition’s presidential candidate, even if that candidate is not their preferred choice. Gachagua said he would support the coalition’s nominee if he is not selected to lead it, but expressed concern that some opposition leaders had been less clear about their position.

He criticised remarks circulating in Kenya suggesting that some leaders or their supporters could prefer President William Ruto to remain in office if their preferred candidate is not chosen. Gachagua said such statements could weaken the opposition’s commitment to presenting a united challenge.

The DCP leader said Kenyans expected the opposition to agree on a single presidential candidate. He said voters were more concerned about having a united candidate to challenge Ruto than about which individual was eventually selected.

“Kenyans are telling us we know who we want, but we know who we don’t want. They are waiting for us to give them a candidate, and they don’t care who it is,” he said.

His remarks come as opposition parties debate when and how to settle on their presidential candidate. Some leaders have called for an early decision, while others favour waiting until closer to the election, potentially until May 2027.

Several names have been mentioned as possible candidates, including Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.