Natembeya and Gachagua Clash Threatens to Shatter Opposition Dream Against Ruto

The dream of a united opposition against President William Ruto in 2027 is quickly unraveling. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are locked in a fierce battle over who should carry the opposition’s presidential flag.

While the coalition has tried to project unity, sharp disagreements are now spilling into the open.

Natembeya has dismissed claims that a candidate has already been chosen, while Gachagua insists he is the rightful flag bearer. The clash exposes widening cracks that threaten the opposition’s survival.

The fight between Natembeya and Gachagua is more than just a clash of personalities. It is a test of whether the opposition can stay united long enough to mount a serious challenge to President William Ruto. [Photo: Courtesy]

Natembeya and Gachagua Battle for Flagbearer Position

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has denied reports that the opposition has settled on its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Elections. Speaking on Radio Citizen on Monday, September 15, Natembeya stressed that no one has been endorsed yet.

He bluntly declared that “no one should beat his chest” and claim the position without due process. According to him, the opposition must look at hard facts before deciding. Numbers and resources will be the key criteria for choosing who will face off with Ruto.

Natembeya explained that only a candidate who can rally enough people and mobilize resources deserves to be the flag bearer. Until then, he said, unity remains the main focus, and the opposition will continue pushing back against what he called President Ruto’s “negative agendas.”

“The aim of everyone in the opposition is to remove the President from office. Not because we hate him, but because he has failed to deliver his promises. Many of his programmes are pushing Kenyans deeper into poverty,” Natembeya said.

But even as he preached unity, his remarks came just hours after Rigathi Gachagua boldly declared that he will be on the ballot as the opposition’s candidate.

Gachagua Dismisses Doubts About His Candidacy

On Sunday, September 14, Gachagua addressed a church congregation under his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). He insisted that he will contest the presidency despite lingering doubts about his impeachment and leadership record.

The former Deputy President brushed off critics who argue that his troubled political past disqualifies him. Instead, he positioned himself as the most experienced leader to go head-to-head with William Ruto.

“Why does Rigathi Gachagua want to be President? If Kenyans elect me, I want to restore the Kenyan state. I will fix healthcare, housing, and education. When you go to a hospital, there must be medicine,” Gachagua declared.

He went further to say, “I am qualified, and I have support. I will be on the ballot as a candidate for President.”

These remarks are a direct challenge to Natembeya’s call for patience and consensus. Instead of waiting for the opposition to deliberate, Gachagua has already launched his campaign, sending a clear message that he will not step aside for anyone.

Cracks in the Opposition Grow Wider

The growing war of words between Natembeya and Gachagua shows that the much-hyped united opposition is far from solid. While both men agree on the need to remove Ruto from power, their personal ambitions threaten to tear the alliance apart.

Natembeya represents a new generation of leaders with fresh energy and grassroots appeal. Gachagua, on the other hand, carries the weight of his experience and established networks. Both want the same prize, but neither is willing to step aside.

The result is a looming split that could hand Ruto a huge advantage. History has shown that divided opposition coalitions rarely succeed in Kenya’s high-stakes elections. In 2007, 2013, and 2017, opposition leaders failed to unite behind one candidate, paving the way for the ruling side to retain power.

If Natembeya and Gachagua continue pulling in different directions, Ruto may face little resistance in 2027. The opposition’s promise to field a single candidate now looks like empty talk.

The public disagreements also raise doubts about whether the opposition can craft a shared agenda. Kenyans struggling with the high cost of living, joblessness, and poor services may not take seriously a coalition that cannot even agree on its leader.

Conclusion

The fight between Natembeya and Gachagua is more than just a clash of personalities. It is a test of whether the opposition can stay united long enough to mount a serious challenge to President William Ruto.

For now, both men appear determined to outshine each other rather than compromise. Unless the opposition resolves this early, it risks going into 2027 deeply divided. That division could be the very gift Ruto needs to secure another five years in power.