Gachagua reveals why opposition should wait before naming Ruto challenger after Babu Owino’s push

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has clarified why Kenya's opposition should refrain from naming its joint presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election. This came in response to Embakasi East MP Babu Owino's recent call for the opposition to select a flag bearer swiftly, warning that delayed decision-making could weaken the coalition's chances of defeating President William Ruto.

Speaking in Portland City, Oregon, Gachagua, who is affiliated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), explained that he has spoken to Owino about the matter and reassured him that the opposition still has ample time to make the decision. "I have been around for long, huyu Ruto tunamuelewa. It is not time ya kutoa mtu sahii.

Ni mapema sana. Tukitoa mtu sai, atatuhangaisha," Gachagua stated. He argues that prematurely announcing the opposition candidate could leave the politician vulnerable to sustained political attacks and pressure as there remain months until the election. Instead, Gachagua suggests that the opposition should allow its leaders to continue strengthening their political bases before determining who should lead the coalition's presidential ticket.

He cited Kenya's 2002 elections as evidence that opposition parties do not need to declare their presidential candidate far in advance. "And I told Babu Owino that Mwai Kibaki was agreed on as a single presidential candidate on October 14, 2002, when the elections were on December 27, the same year, two months, 13 days apart," Gachagua explained.

This historical reference has become a key point in the ongoing debate within the opposition, with supporters of delaying the decision arguing that the coalition can first allow individual principals to showcase their strength before negotiating a final agreement. Gachagua emphasized that the opposition still has significant time, stating, "For us, we still have 300 days.

Iko shida gani? Twende pole pole." This stance stands in contrast to Owino's growing calls for an early agreement, with the Embakasi East MP warning that waiting until December 2026 or later could leave opposition leaders too invested in their individual ambitions to effectively campaign for a unified presidential candidate. Owino's comments were made during a meeting with Linda Mwananchi aspirants in Nairobi on September 8, 2026, as the movement's preparations for its Nairobi rally intensified.

He argued that announcing a candidate early would give the opposition sufficient time to introduce its leader to voters, mobilize support nationwide, and build momentum around a single campaign.