Fresh political realignments are taking shape ahead of the 2027 general election, and there are growing questions over whether former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is being left behind.
Reports have emerged that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is leading secret talks with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to find a strong candidate to face President William Ruto in the next polls.
According to renowned journalist Kennedy Mureithi, his media house has learnt that discussions are ongoing between the three leaders. The talks reportedly aim to craft a winning strategy for 2027, but noticeably, Gachagua does not seem to be part of these conversations.
This has raised eyebrows, especially considering his recent claims of reaching out to opposition figures.The latest revelations come just a day after Kalonzo Musyoka joined former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa at the Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
Their united presence has further fueled speculation about behind-the-scenes political deals. Many observers feel that it is not a coincidence to see these leaders gathering publicly at a time when talks of new political formations are gaining momentum. It paints a picture of leaders quietly building alliances that could reshape the political field as the country heads towards 2027.
Gachagua had earlier this week claimed that he had held a meeting with Fred Matiang’i, during which he officially welcomed the former Interior CS to the opposition. He also mentioned meeting with Kalonzo and Wamalwa separately but was careful not to reveal the details of their discussions.
While Gachagua presented these meetings as signs of political engagement, the new reports suggest that the real action is happening elsewhere and without his active involvement. This development raises serious questions about Gachagua’s standing and influence in the emerging political formations. It suggests that while he is trying to build bridges, key players might already be forming their own separate paths without him.
Gachagua, who had a bitter fallout with Uhuru in the run-up to the 2022 elections, now finds himself in a tricky position as old alliances shift and new ones are formed. It is not yet clear whether Uhuru, whose party has openly endorsed Matiang’i for the big seat, will convince Kalonzo again to shelve his ambitions and support his former CS.
Kalonzo has already declared that he is not taking anything less than a presidential bid after supporting Raila three times without success. This sets the stage for possible tensions within the new alliance and could make it difficult to field a single candidate.
Gachagua’s political future looks increasingly uncertain, with powerful forces appearing to move forward without him.
