Rigathi Gachagua urged supporters to defend Edwin Sifuna’s political ambitions.
The former deputy president urges supporters to defend Sifuna and pledges to back him or Kalonzo if opposition leaders agree on a presidential candidate.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua challenges Sifuna to demonstrate his political influence in Western Kenya by confronting critics. He urged the Nairobi senator’s supporters to defend his leadership as he pursues presidential ambitions ahead of 2027.
Addressing Linda Mwananchi supporters, Gachagua singled out President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet over what he described as repeated attacks. He questioned why Edwin Sifuna’s supporters had not pushed back against the criticism.
Gachagua recounted a conversation in which Sifuna said he had secured support across Western Kenya. However, he argued that the senator needed to demonstrate that backing through his supporters’ response to political opponents.
Gachagua challenges Sifuna critics over presidential bid
Gachagua also rejected suggestions that Sifuna was too young to seek the presidency. He urged Western Kenya residents to rally behind the senator and challenge leaders questioning his ambitions.
His remarks appeared to target Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli as well. Atwoli has questioned Sifuna’s readiness for a presidential contest, arguing that he needs a stronger political network.
Meanwhile, Gachagua accused Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of selling his Amani National Congress party to Ruto’s camp for Sh20 million. He claimed he personally negotiated the arrangement on Ruto’s behalf and advised Mudavadi to close the party.
He also criticised Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over promises to Western Kenya. Gachagua said their political agreement with Ruto included their government positions and 1,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads.
He therefore challenged both leaders to account for the promised roads before seeking renewed support for the President.
Opposition unity ahead of 2027
Gachagua presented cooperation between himself, Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as a potential challenge to Ruto. He claimed Sifuna retained more than 80 per cent of ODM supporters after falling out with the party establishment.
He also claimed he had taken 70 per cent of Ruto’s supporters after leaving government. Combining those groups with Kalonzo’s support base would strengthen the opposition, he argued.
However, Gachagua said his own presidential ambitions would not prevent him from backing an agreed opposition candidate. He pledged support for Kalonzo if the coalition chose the Wiper leader.
If opposition leaders instead selected Sifuna, Gachagua said he would lead the senator’s presidential campaign. He also promised to mobilise his political networks behind that bid.
Separately, Gachagua accused Ruto of using handouts and development pledges to attract political support. He urged voters to accept government assistance without treating it as an obligation to support the administration.
