Gachagua’s announcement appears to have blindsided political heavyweights including Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, David Maraga, and Kalonzo Musyoka, who have collectively criticised the announcement as premature and divisive. [Photo: Courtesy]
By The Weekly Vision Political Desk
A fierce political storm is brewing within Kenya’s opposition ranks following former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s unexpected declaration of his presidential ambitions for the 2027 elections. Speaking to Kenyans living and working in the United States last week, Gachagua positioned himself as the frontrunner and most suited to challenge President William Ruto in the coming elections, a move that has triggered confusion, resentment, and division among key opposition figures.
Gachagua’s announcement appears to have blindsided political heavyweights including Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, David Maraga, and Kalonzo Musyoka, who have collectively criticised the announcement as premature and divisive. Sources within the opposition camp describe Gachagua’s decision as a “betrayal” that risks derailing ongoing efforts to unite behind a single consensus candidate.
Political analysts suggest that Gachagua has been under mounting pressure from influential supporters both locally and abroad to launch a full-scale presidential campaign. According to his allies, he commands a formidable bloc of five million potential voters from the Mount Kenya region alone, a numerical advantage that few in the opposition can dream of.
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His supporters are now calling for a transparent nationwide nomination process involving other presidential hopefuls, arguing that closed-door deals are undemocratic and risk alienating the electorate. Should such a process be adopted, many believe Gachagua would emerge victorious, effectively dismantling opposition unity.“Gachagua is not just a candidate, he is a movement,” said a political strategist aligned with his camp. “He has the numbers, he has the machinery and, most critically, he has the money.”Indeed, financial muscle is rapidly becoming a decisive factor as the 2027 contest approaches, with analysts noting that the election may turn out to be the most expensive in Kenya’s history.
Gachagua is reportedly enjoying the backing of wealthy tycoons from the Mount Kenya region, with additional pledges of fundraising support from the diaspora. Many business leaders in the region believe that only a Gachagua presidency can revive their economic fortunes, and they appear ready to bankroll his campaign. In contrast, other aspirants, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua, are seen as lacking the financial resources necessary to sustain a nationwide campaign against the well-funded UDA machine led by President Ruto.
Notably, there has been a recent shift among Kenyan diaspora groups in the United States. Previously known for raising funds in support of Fred Matiang’i, many of these groups have now redirected their efforts toward Gachagua, citing his growing political momentum and perceived viability. While Gachagua’s supporters hail him as the saviour of the opposition, critics warn that his candidacy could fracture the already fragile alliance of opposition leaders and play into Ruto’s hands.
As the clock ticks toward 2027, the opposition faces a stark dilemma: rally behind a single candidate with a clear path to victory or risk fragmentation and defeat. Either way, one thing is clear: former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shaken up the race, and the road to 2027 is increasingly unpredictable.
