Gachagua: One opposition principal will walk away after flagbearer is picked
Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua predicts that one opposition principal will abandon the coalition after a joint presidential candidate is selected for the 2027 General Election. He draws a historical parallel to the 2002 election when Simeon Nyachae left the opposition after Mwai Kibaki was chosen as the flagbearer.
Why it matters
This prediction offers insight into the potential internal dynamics and challenges facing Kenya's opposition, which could significantly influence the political landscape and leadership ahead of the next general election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking to Kenyans living in Dallas, United States/SCREENGRAB
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has predicted that one opposition principal will walk away after a joint presidential candidate is selected to face President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Dallas, United States, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader compared the current opposition realignment to the events of the 2002 General Election, when the opposition united behind former President Mwai Kibaki but one of the presidential contenders, Simeon Nyachae, declined to join the arrangement.
Gachagua said the current political developments reminded him of the events preceding the 2002 election, when leaders opposed to then President Daniel arap Moi sought to unite behind a single candidate.
“Just the way William Ruto’s people are talking, it is the same way Daniel arap Moi’s supporters talked in the 2002 elections,” Gachagua said.
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