‘United to a man’ – Gachagua dismisses cracks in opposition

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed reports of discord within the opposition, stating that leaders have reached an agreement to back a single presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election. Speaking at a church service in Kajiado County, Gachagua acknowledged that rivalries among opposition figures were common, comparing them to sibling disagreements in a family.

He highlighted several opposition leaders, including Fred Matiang'i, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, and Edwin Sifuna, who have committed to the coalition. Despite occasional disagreements, Gachagua emphasized that these differences should not undermine their collective political goals. He cautioned against social media influencing the opposition's unity, warning that such actions could hinder their efforts.

Gachagua also noted that there was disagreement on when to officially announce the presidential candidate, with proposed dates ranging from February to May 2027. The coalition is currently discussing the necessary qualities for the candidate, such as leadership experience, policy proposals, public support, and voter mobilization.

Gachagua argued that a candidate's suitability should be determined by the voters, emphasizing that past service in Parliament was not a prerequisite for presidency.