Kalonzo Unites Uhuru and Gachagua in Bid to Form Single Opposition Front

A side by side image of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO| COURTESY

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reportedly played a key role in reconciling retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as opposition realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to reports, Kalonzo brokered the rapprochement between the two leaders toward the end of 2025 during a meeting in Nigeria, with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo helping to facilitate the talks.

During the engagement, Uhuru and Kalonzo are said to have agreed that the opposition should field a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

Talks are already underway within the opposition on the choice of a flagbearer and a running mate.

Previously, Kalonzo had indicated that the opposition coalition would unveil its presidential candidate in the first quarter of 2026 before embarking on a nationwide campaign.

“I make this commitment to you: by the first quarter of 2026, the name of our presidential candidate will be made known to Kenyans,” Kalonzo said at the time.

“I think it’s only fair that we work in that direction. I will personally do everything possible to hold our team together.”

However, Gachagua has expressed a different view, urging caution on the timing of the announcement. The former Deputy President proposed that the opposition candidate be unveiled later, either toward the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Gachagua warned that naming a candidate too early could expose the flagbearer to state harassment and possible prosecution.

“Don’t rush us or pressure us to name our presidential candidate now. If we announce a candidate at this time, President Ruto will harass the candidate. We will unveil our candidate in December or January next year,” he said.

The reported developments come just days after Uhuru dismissed claims that he had called for a meeting with Gachagua and leaders from the Mt Kenya region.

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 29, Uhuru’s office raised concerns over what it described as the deliberate circulation of false and misleading information targeting the former president.

“The Office of the 4th President Uhuru Kenyatta has observed with concern the deliberate circulation of false and misleading content on social media platforms. These posts are unauthorized and do not in any way present the views or position of Uhuru Kenyatta,” the statement read.