{
  "id": 5935495,
  "title": "No problem deputising Sifuna, or him deputising me, Gachagua says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/no-problem-deputising-sifuna-or-him-deputising-me-gachagua-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T07:59:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/no-problem-deputising-sifuna-or-him-deputising-me-gachagua-says/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressed his support for Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential aspirations during a gathering of the Kenyan diaspora in Spokane, Washington. Gachagua, currently on a tour of the United States, emphasized that age should not be a barrier for young leaders aspiring to the top position in Kenya. He defended Sifuna against comments suggesting the 44-year-old candidate may be too inexperienced, asserting that leaders significantly younger have governed nations larger than Kenya. Gachagua pledged unwavering support for Sifuna, stating that a 44-year-old is fully capable of leading the country, and if Sifuna can convince Kenyans he is the best candidate, he will receive their backing without issue. The former Deputy President urged other political figures, such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, to showcase their qualifications to gain public trust. Gachagua criticized the notion that the country's youth should be considered leaders of tomorrow, arguing that this mindset stifles their potential and should instead recognize that young leaders are leaders of today who should be empowered to fight for their place. He was open to collaborative arrangements in the presidential race, including forming a running mate partnership, with himself potentially deputizing Sifuna, Sifuna deputizing him, or even pairing with Kalonzo Musyoka. Gachagua dismissed regional bias, noting that history shows the Mt Kenya region supports candidates from outside its boundaries, citing the region's past backing for President William Ruto. He emphasized that Sifuna's lack of ties to past political violence provides a clean slate for potential support.",
  "summary": "Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said he is ready to back Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions. He told a Kenyan diaspora gathering in Spokane, Washington, that age should not be used to lock young leaders out of the country’s top seat. Gachagua, who is on an extended diaspora tour of the United States, said [...] The post No problem deputising Sifuna, or him deputising…",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Deputy President Gachagua supports Sifuna's presidential bid",
    "Age not barrier for young leaders, Gachagua asserts",
    "Open to collaborative arrangements in presidential race"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Gachagua declares readiness to deputise Sifuna in the 2027 presidential race",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/gachagua-declares-readiness-to-deputise-sifuna-in-the-2027",
        "published": "2026-09-06T06:40:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}