Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to clarify his political intentions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday with Kamba radio stations, Gachagua expressed uncertainty about Raila’s next move following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Gachagua stated that Raila’s political stance remains unclear, and his decision could influence the political landscape as the country gears up for the next elections. “We don’t understand Raila Odinga and his intentions. We are waiting for him to clarify his position so we know how to coexist with him,” he said.
The former deputy president added that if Raila chooses to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, they would not oppose his decision. “If he chooses to support Ruto, we will not try to stop him,” Gachagua remarked.
Since his impeachment, Gachagua has been making strategic political moves, reaching out to leaders from both the government and opposition. His engagements suggest he is laying the groundwork for a political comeback, either as a presidential candidate or a kingmaker in the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has met with several key opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa. These meetings indicate an effort to build alliances that could challenge Ruto’s administration in 2027.
During the interview, Gachagua emphasized that his new political outfit aims to unite Kenyans and mobilize voter registration. “This is a new beginning, and we are on the right footing so far. We will work with Kalonzo, and while it is early to pick a flagbearer, our motive now is mobilizing Kenyans to vote to send this administration home,” he said.
He also sought to ease political tensions between different regions, calling on Raila’s supporters from Nyanza to see his Mt. Kenya base as allies rather than enemies. “I want to take this opportunity to tell Raila Odinga’s supporters from Nyanza that they should not fight the mountain people because we are not their enemies at all. We have no problem with Raila Odinga and ODM,” Gachagua stated.
With the political landscape shifting, Raila’s next move remains highly anticipated. His decision whether to support Ruto, form a new alliance, or make another presidential bid will shape Kenya’s political future as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
