Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will rally Mt Kenya voters behind Kalonzo Musyoka, who is emerging as a top contender to become the United Opposition’s joint presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Gachagua made the declaration during the funeral of Herbert Kariithi Macharia in Ithanga, Murang’a County, where he spoke alongside fellow opposition co-principals Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka.
The United Opposition—which brings together Gachagua’s DCP, Wamalwa’s DAP-K, Kalonzo’s Wiper Party, Martha Karua’s PLP, and Justin Muturi’s DP—has not yet settled on a single presidential flagbearer.
However, Gachagua’s statements strongly hinted at where his support lies as coalition leaders begin talks on a unified candidate.
He said President William Ruto should not expect significant backing from the Mt Kenya region in 2027.
“The mountain has decided its votes will go into one basket,” Gachagua said. “All the candidates Ruto supports here will collect 50,000 votes, and seven million votes will go into one basket.”
Relations between Gachagua and President Ruto deteriorated sharply after Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024. Since then, Gachagua has been consolidating support across the country under the “Wantam” slogan, positioning himself as one of the most vocal critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He also warned of online attempts to sow divisions within the United Opposition, saying such tactics would not sway the region.
“The mountain has six million votes, and it may hit eight million. The region has not decided who it will vote for, but it has decided who it will not vote for,” he said.
Mt Kenya was pivotal in the 2022 election, delivering strong numbers to the Ruto–Gachagua ticket, which secured 7.1 million votes against Raila Odinga’s 6.9 million.
Kalonzo Musyoka, who has been a loyal running mate to Odinga in multiple elections, is now seen by many in the opposition as a senior figure ready to lead. His long political career, national network, and history of delivering crucial votes make him a strong contender.
This rising momentum has also not gone unnoticed by the ruling party. His current momentum has reportedly triggered a wave of attacks from pro-government bloggers hoping to tarnish his name and credibility as a successor to Ruto, signalling that Kenya Kwanza views him as a serious threat.
Gachagua’s latest remarks also signal that he does not expect Ruto to retain Mt Kenya support in 2027—and that he is determined to unify the opposition to block Ruto from securing a second term.
Speaking at the same event, Kalonzo reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to a fair electoral process.
“As the government-in-waiting, we stand united. Just as President Kibaki won with a margin no one could steal, we will deliver a victory that cannot be tampered with,” he said.
While Kalonzo is widely seen as the compromise candidate, the race remains fluid. The emergence of Fred Matiang’i, Senator Okiyah Omtatah, Martha Karua, and former Chief Justice David Maraga adds competition to the opposition lineup.
The key question therefore remains as whether the coalition will unite behind a single candidate or split the vote—potentially handing President Ruto the advantage he needs for a second term.
