‘You’re wasting your time’: Gachagua rules out opposition fallout

Former Governor Charity Ngilu shakes hands with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua during a meeting on November 3, 2026/XFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims of divisions within the opposition, insisting that leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and the Linda Mwananchi faction, will unite behind one presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

Gachagua said attempts by government allies to portray opposition leaders as divided were aimed at weakening their political alliance but would not succeed.

Speaking while hosting a visiting delegation at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday, Gachagua said the opposition had already agreed to present a single candidate against Ruto, regardless of the political differences that may emerge along the way.

“I want to assure the people of Kenya that we in the opposition, including Linda Mwananchi, have agreed that come what may, we shall give the people of Kenya one single presidential candidate to face Ruto and take him home,” he said.

Gachagua dismissed reports suggesting that Kalonzo could walk away from the opposition or that he and other leaders would eventually fall out over the 2027 succession contest.

He said the current political developments reminded him of the events leading to the 2002 General Election, when leaders within the then opposition united behind former President Mwai Kibaki to end Kanu’s 24-year rule.

“Nasikia wanasema oh Kalonzo anaweza toka, oh Riggy G hawawezi sikizana. Wacha niwaambie, history is repeating itself,” Gachagua said.

He recalled how supporters of the then President Daniel arap Moi had predicted that opposition leaders would fail to agree on a common candidate.

Gachagua said the opposition eventually rallied behind Kibaki on October 14, 2002, setting the stage for the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc) victory in the December election.

“Watu wa Moi walikuwa wanaongea vile watu wa Ruto wanaongea ati oh hawatasikizana, oh watakosana. Siku moja tarehe 14, October 2002, watu wote walisikizana ni Mwai Kibaki na uchaguzi ukaisha,” he said.

Kibaki went on to defeat Kanu candidate Uhuru Kenyatta in the December 2002 presidential election, ending the ruling party’s long hold on power.

Gachagua also referred to the period after Kibaki was involved in a road accident during the 2002 campaign, saying political opponents had expected the opposition’s plans to collapse.

He argued that, just as the opposition overcame doubts and rallied behind Kibaki, the current opposition would settle on one candidate despite speculation about its unity.

The former Deputy President accused Ruto’s allies of attempting to create divisions among opposition leaders by fuelling speculation about disagreements over the presidential ticket.

“Mnajaribu kutukosanisha, mnajaribu kugawa Mlima, kupiganisha viongozi. You’re wasting your time,” he said.

Gachagua had earlier hosted former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu at his Wamunyoro residence, as he continues consultations with political figures.

The opposition’s ability to agree on a joint presidential candidate remains a key question as different political formations seek to build a coalition capable of challenging Ruto’s re-election bid.

The meeting is part of Gachagua’s ongoing consultations with opposition leaders as he pushes for a single presidential candidate ahead of 2027