Gachagua Hints At Supporting Raila For 2027 Presidency

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he is open to working with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga to form the next government.

Speaking during an interview with radio stations from the Kamba community, Gachagua noted that he has not closed his political doors to a possible partnership with Odinga, who recently teamed up with President William Ruto to establish a broad-based government setup.

“If our Gen Z children, who are not with him (Ruto), decide to turn out and vote, we will defeat him, even if he is with Raila. It will be upon him (Raila) to decide—if he chooses to stand with Kenyans, he will come so that we can have a sit-down and agree on some things,” Gachagua stated.

“If he wants to go ahead and cooperate with William Ruto, who has been abandoned by the people, then we have no problem with that. We have a plan, and we have listened to Kenyans who are looking up to us,” he added.

However, Gachagua stated that the option of working with the former Prime Minister was not conditional, as Odinga was free to choose which side of the political history books he wanted to be on.

Furthermore, he stated that if Odinga decided to collaborate with the President in advancing what he described as oppressive policies, it would be his personal choice.

“We are up to the task of bringing change and challenging Ruto, with or without Raila. It will be his personal decision to choose which side of history he wants to be on. If he wants his legacy to be marred by working with the oppressors, that is up to him,” Gachagua said.

“We can have a discussion and see what role he can play in the liberation of our country. Irrespective of the decision he makes, we are okay.”

Gachagua, who has seemingly been open to a coalition agreement with former Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, however, dismissed claims that Odinga teaming up with Ruto would diminish his chances.

Odinga himself, since losing the African Union Commission chairperson bid, has indicated that he would likely work with the government.

Additionally, during a press address at State House Mombasa on Monday, he assured the country and his support base that he would announce his political way forward after consultations.

Shortly after being hosted by Ruto in Mombasa, Odinga flew to Kisumu, where he met leaders from his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), including interim party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o and other grassroots leaders.

Meanwhile, the former Deputy President urged the Kamba community to team up with him and Kalonzo to take over the country’s leadership in the 2027 elections.

Additionally, he outlined his vision of leveraging his political numbers to win major elective seats in the country, including the gubernatorial posts for Nairobi and Mombasa counties.