As Kalonzo consolidates his leadership, questions surround Rigathi Gachagua. A vocal critic of Ruto since his October 2024 impeachment, Gachagua urged Gen-Z to protest against the government. Yet, his absence from the protests Kalonzo attended, alongside other absentees including Martha Karua, Jeremiah Kioni, George Wajackoyah, George Natembeya, and Justin Muturi, has sparked speculation
By TWV Team
In Kenya’s ever-shifting political landscape, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is emerging as a formidable force, deftly stepping into the void left by ODM’s Raila Odinga, who joined President Ruto’s administration in what was baptised the Broad-Based Government. As the nation grapples with economic hardship and a restless Gen-Z population, Kalonzo’s bold strategies are reinvigorating the opposition, positioning him as the de facto leader poised to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race. Yet, the conspicuous absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from key opposition moments has sparked questions about his intentions and relevance in this new era of protest-driven politics.
Kalonzo’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. With Raila Odinga’s unexpected alignment with Ruto’s administration, the Azimio coalition found itself rudderless, its once-unified front fractured. Sensing an opportunity, Kalonzo has moved decisively to fill the vacuum. His recent efforts to rally opposition leaders behind a single presidential candidate to face Ruto in 2027 signal a leader intent on uniting a fragmented coalition. Political analysts now agree that Kalonzo is not merely occupying Raila’s former space, but redefining it, infusing the opposition with renewed vigour.
Perhaps his most audacious move came when he declared 25 June 2025 a “national holiday” to commemorate the first anniversary of the Gen-Z protests, a bold gesture that resonated deeply with Kenya’s youth. Unlike other opposition figures, Kalonzo did not stop at rhetoric. He joined the Gen-Z protesters in the streets, shoulder to shoulder with leaders like Eugene Wamalwa, braving tear gas and the risk of arrest. This act of solidarity has cemented his image as a leader who walks the talk, earning him the admiration of a generation demanding accountability and democratic rights.
The Gen-Z movement, born out of frustration over economic challenges and governance failures, has become a defining force in Kenyan politics. Kalonzo’s embrace of their cause, coupled with his visible presence during protests, has positioned him as their champion.
“Kalonzo is showing he’s not afraid to stand with us,” said Mercy Wanjiku, a 23-year-old university student and protest organiser. “He’s not just another politician making promises from a podium.”
“Kalonzo’s actions have struck a chord with Gen-Z, who see him as a credible voice against Ruto’s administration,” notes Dr Susan Mwangi, a political analyst at the University of Nairobi. “His willingness to join protests, unlike other opposition leaders, gives him an edge in shaping the opposition’s future.”
Yet, as Kalonzo consolidates his leadership, questions swirl around former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. A vocal critic of Ruto following his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua had urged Gen-Z to take to the streets and challenge the government. However, his absence from the protests that Kalonzo attended, alongside other notable absentees such as Martha Karua, Jeremiah Kioni, George Wajackoyah, George Natembeya, and Justin Muturi, has raised eyebrows. What is going on?
Gachagua’s absence could signal a strategic retreat. Facing legal battles over his impeachment, which bars him from seeking elective office unless overturned by a superior court, he may be focusing on consolidating his influence in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region rather than risking public confrontations.
“Gachagua is playing a long game,” suggests political commentator John Kamau. “He’s likely building a regional coalition while avoiding the unpredictability of street protests.”
Alternatively, his absence may reflect underlying tensions within the opposition. While Gachagua has expressed interest in leading the anti-Ruto charge, Kalonzo’s proactive moves have clearly outpaced him. The former deputy president’s claims of being the ideal opposition flagbearer have yet to translate into visible leadership, leaving some to question his commitment to the broader coalition.
Kalonzo’s rise does not eliminate the opposition’s internal challenges. The absence of key figures such as Karua, Kioni, and Natembeya from protest events underscores the difficulty of forging unity. Each leader harbours presidential ambitions, and aligning them behind a single candidate will test Kalonzo’s diplomatic acumen.
“The opposition’s strength lies in its diversity, but that’s also its Achilles’ heel,” says Dr Mwangi. “Kalonzo must navigate these egos to avoid handing Ruto an easy victory in 2027.”
Gachagua’s role remains a wildcard. His impeachment has galvanised support in Mt Kenya, where he is seen by some as a victim of political betrayal. Recent reports suggest he is exploring a new political party or a possible coalition with Kalonzo, but his absence from public protests risks ceding ground to his Wiper rival. If Gachagua is to reclaim his political stature, he must match Kalonzo’s visibility and bridge the gap with Gen-Z.
As Kenya looks towards 2027, Kalonzo Musyoka stands at a crossroads. His ability to harness Gen-Z’s energy, unite opposition factions, and challenge Ruto’s administration, both at the ballot box and on the streets, has made him a formidable contender. Kenyans increasingly view him as a leader capable of defending their rights, a perception bolstered by his defiance of the status quo.
Yet, the opposition’s success hinges on cohesion. Gachagua’s absence, whether strategic or symptomatic of deeper divisions, underscores the urgent need for a united front. For now, Kalonzo holds the reins, but the path ahead demands that he and his rivals set aside personal ambitions for the greater goal of unseating Ruto.
As the Gen-Z movement continues to reshape Kenya’s political fault lines, one thing is clear: Kalonzo Musyoka has seized his moment. Whether he can sustain this momentum, and whether Gachagua will rise or fade, will define the opposition’s fortunes in the battle for Kenya’s future.
