Otuoma Raises Red Flag Over Gachagua’s Bid to Unite Opposition

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has fired a fresh political warning to opposition leaders, urging them to think twice before entering into an alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as Kenya’s 2027 political contest gathers momentum.

Otuoma, speaking in Busia after meeting Bamani elders at Mayenga Village, questioned the wisdom of bringing Gachagua into an opposition coalition, arguing that such a partnership could undermine the country’s development agenda.

The governor strongly defended the broad-based government arrangement, saying political cooperation had created room for leaders to concentrate on development rather than prolonged political confrontation.

According to Otuoma, the arrangement, which was initiated during the tenure of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, provided an opportunity for leaders who had spent years in opposition to participate in government and pursue development priorities.

He particularly pointed to projects being undertaken in Busia, including housing, markets and other infrastructure developments, as evidence that cooperation between different political forces could deliver tangible benefits to residents.

Otuoma also criticised Gachagua’s previous opposition to the broad-based government, claiming that the former Deputy President had created obstacles to the arrangement and ultimately suffered the political consequences of his own strategy.

His remarks come at a politically sensitive moment, with parties and influential leaders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua has emerged as one of the key figures in efforts to build a united opposition capable of challenging President William Ruto.

Otuoma’s intervention therefore adds another layer to the growing debate over who should form alliances with whom, and whether political partnerships should be driven by personalities, ideology or the interests of voters.

The governor also challenged leaders making allegations that Ugandan nationals were being registered as Kenyan citizens and issued voter registration cards.

He called on those making the claims to provide evidence.

Otuoma’s latest comments follow a recent decision by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission to clear him and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma after investigations into remarks that had raised concerns over possible hate speech and incitement.

The commission nevertheless cautioned the leaders against statements that could promote hostility or exclusion.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Otuoma’s message signals the intensifying battle over political alliances and the growing pressure on leaders to choose carefully where they place their political bets.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/busia-governor-otuoma-warns-opposition-against-alliance-with-gachagua?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR43RYARV2_SgVqA-a2ZnYIMqIvw7rg-VtI5OoEzBwtmJkRcEf0tIrKfT6jHAQ_aem_otJPRNs-pzzBhQhrRFZ_Sw

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