Charity Ngilu Breaks Silence After Meeting Gachagua, Reveals Her Take on His 2027 Political Plans

Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has expressed confidence in Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s commitment to building a united and inclusive political alternative ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ngilu made the remarks on Tuesday, November 3, following a meeting with Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, where the two discussed the possibility of bringing opposition leaders together to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.

In a statement shared after the meeting, the former governor said her engagement with Gachagua had convinced her that he was genuinely committed to creating a political movement that accommodates different leaders and communities.

“After meeting Gachagua today, I am convinced he is fully committed to a united, and more inclusive alternative to the government we have today,” Ngilu stated.

The meeting comes at a time when opposition leaders are holding consultations over possible alliances, political cooperation and the selection of a joint presidential candidate ahead of the next elections.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has been pushing for opposition parties to overcome their differences and agree on one presidential candidate capable of defeating Ruto.

During the engagement, Gachagua also acknowledged Ngilu’s contribution to Kenya’s political history, particularly her involvement in the formation of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), which defeated KANU in the 2002 General Election.

The former Deputy President described Ngilu as the Iron Lady of Kenyan politics, saying he benefited from her experience and understanding of how political alliances are negotiated and organised.

He explained that Ngilu took him through the strategy behind NARC, including the negotiations and political calculations that brought different opposition groups together.

Gachagua further suggested that Kenya was approaching another political moment similar to 2002, when opposition leaders united behind former President Mwai Kibaki to end KANU’s long-standing hold on power.

He expressed confidence that the current opposition could also identify one presidential candidate and organise a winning political alliance.

Ngilu’s meeting with Gachagua adds to a series of high-profile engagements involving opposition figures as they explore ways of building a formidable political formation.

Gachagua has recently hosted Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.

However, the unity campaign faces challenges, including disagreements over political leadership, regional voting arrangements and presidential ambitions.

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has also raised concerns about Gachagua’s political approach, warning that internal disagreements could weaken the opposition’s chances.

Ngilu’s endorsement of the unity initiative could therefore provide an important boost to ongoing consultations as opposition leaders seek common ground before the 2027 presidential contest.

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