Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ruled out any possibility of forming an alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, instead signaling a potential working relationship with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Wajir on Wednesday, Raila dismissed speculation about aligning with Gachagua’s emerging opposition coalition. He emphasized that he would rather work with progressive leaders than those who have previously sought to block his political ambitions.
“The other man said he had set traps everywhere to prevent me from reaching State House for a handshake. So, do you want us to work with someone who set traps for me? I told him that is impossible,” Raila stated, receiving overwhelming support from the crowd.
Raila’s remarks are expected to shape the opposition’s trajectory, as Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had been urging him to rejoin the opposition ranks. The two leaders have been seeking to consolidate a strong force to challenge Ruto’s administration in the upcoming elections.
Gachagua has been actively building a coalition aimed at countering Ruto’s influence, with Kalonzo hinting at a joint opposition effort should Raila fail in his bid to become the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Kalonzo previously stated that if Raila does not secure the AU seat, he should return to local politics to help “liberate” the country.
However, Kalonzo also suggested that Raila should consider retirement if he loses the AU bid, signaling possible tensions within the opposition.
“I don’t see how Raila Odinga could lose the chairmanship and then come back to lead Azimio. That would not be the Raila I know. He must also have a reality check. If he wins, that’s great for him, the country, and the continent. But if he loses, I think he should simply retire,” Kalonzo remarked.
As Raila intensifies his nationwide consultations, his supporters eagerly await his final declaration on his next political move. His decision could significantly influence the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, determining whether he aligns with Ruto or re-engages with the opposition.
