Gachagua Warns Divided Opposition Risks Handing Ruto Easy 2027 Victory

Kenya, 29 January 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged opposition leaders to close ranks ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that internal rivalry could clear the way for President William Ruto to secure a second term.

At a time when several opposition heavyweights are positioning themselves for a presidential run, Gachagua cautioned that competition within the ranks, if left unchecked, could weaken the coalition before the real contest begins.

The opposition scene has recently been marked by visible jostling among key figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and Gachagua himself, each signalling readiness to lead the ticket in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes race.

But speaking during the Democratic Party (DP) National Delegates Convention at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, Gachagua shifted focus from ambition to unity, drawing lessons from Kenya’s political past.

“In the history of our lived Democracy and the transformation of Kenya, the DP Party, its founder, late President Mwai Kibaki and Ufungamano house have a huge contribution to the second and third liberation of our Country Kenya,” Gachagua stated.

He pointed to the contrast between the fragmented opposition of 1992 and the united coalition that won in 2002.

“The 1992 and the 2002 election have taught Kenya great lessons; whereas the 1992 election was lost by the opposition due to their disunity, the 2002 political movement that liberated Kenya economically then was won on the premise of unity and the power of the Kenyan voter that bad governance, corruption, poor policy and an overall economic slump and reckless ruling have no space in modern history,” he said.

Gachagua argued that the next election could be a turning point and should not repeat past mistakes.