Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged opposition leaders to agree on a joint presidential candidate and unveil their flag bearer five months before the 2027 General Election, warning that an early announcement could expose the candidate to intimidation.
Speaking on KTN Television, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said opposition leaders should negotiate privately to identify a suitable candidate while limiting their exposure to what he described as threats and harassment from the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua accused President William Ruto of targeting political rivals he considers a threat to his political ambitions. He named Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and himself among those he claimed were facing attacks.
He argued that announcing the opposition candidate too early could expose the individual to pressure from state institutions and interfere with campaign activities ahead of the 2027 polls.
The former Deputy President said his recent meetings with opposition figures at his Wamunyoro residence, including Sifuna and Kalonzo, were aimed at building trust, strengthening cooperation and consolidating support around a common political agenda.
Despite advocating for a consensus candidate, Gachagua has maintained his interest in running for president. He has, however, said he would support another candidate if opposition leaders reach a mutually agreed decision.
Gachagua Questions Bayern-Ajax Match
In a separate development, Gachagua criticised plans to have German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax play the inaugural match at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.
The stadium is scheduled to be officially opened on January 5, 2027, with a friendly match between the two European clubs as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Gachagua questioned why Kenyan football giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards had not been considered for the occasion, arguing that local clubs deserved an opportunity to play at a stadium built using public funds.
The facility has a planned capacity of 60,000 spectators and is among the sporting infrastructure expected to support preparations for AFCON 2027.
The tournament will give Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania an opportunity to showcase their sporting facilities and demonstrate their capacity to host a major international competition.
Gachagua’s remarks have highlighted two issues ahead of the tournament and the 2027 elections: efforts by opposition leaders to agree on a common presidential candidate and calls for greater involvement of local clubs in events held at publicly funded sporting facilities.
