Gachagua Warns Against Early Naming of Opposition Presidential Candidate

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Kenya’s opposition against rushing to name its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, arguing that an early decision could create opportunities for division and political interference.

Speaking to Kenyans in Oregon on Friday night, Gachagua said he had spoken by phone with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino earlier in the day and advised against settling on an opposition flagbearer too early.

Gachagua argued that the opposition should first consolidate its support base and strengthen its political structures before deciding who will challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 election.

“I told Babu Owino, I have been around for long and I know how to do these things,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua Warns of Infiltration and Division

According to Gachagua, announcing the opposition's presidential candidate more than a year before the election could give the government time to exploit divisions within the opposition.

He warned that an early nomination could expose the opposition to what he described as “infiltration and division”, potentially weakening efforts to build a united political front.

Gachagua maintained that opposition parties should instead focus on expanding their networks and establishing a strong political coalition before choosing their presidential standard-bearer.

Gachagua Cites 2002 Election

The former Deputy President cited the 2002 General Election as an example of why the opposition should not rush its decision.

He noted that Mwai Kibaki was selected as the opposition's presidential candidate relatively close to the election, arguing that there is therefore little justification for settling on a candidate more than a year before the 2027 polls.

The 2002 election saw opposition parties unite under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), with Kibaki defeating then-President Daniel arap Moi's preferred successor, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Gachagua Maintains Presidential Ambitions

Despite urging the opposition to delay the decision, Gachagua made it clear that he considers himself a leading contender for the opposition ticket.

He nevertheless reiterated his support for a single opposition candidate, arguing that presenting one candidate would help prevent the anti-government vote from being divided across multiple presidential contenders.

Gachagua also said he would support whoever the opposition ultimately chooses as its presidential candidate.

Opposition Coalition Talks Intensify

Gachagua's remarks come as opposition politicians intensify efforts to establish a united political front ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Several opposition figures have already positioned themselves as potential presidential contenders, raising questions over how the competing ambitions can be managed while maintaining coalition unity.

The question of when and how to select a presidential candidate is expected to remain a major issue as opposition parties negotiate potential alliances and seek to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 polls.

For Gachagua, the immediate priority is building a strong and united opposition structure before settling on the individual who will ultimately face Ruto at the ballot.