NYERI, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has signalled continued efforts to unite Kenya’s opposition after meeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence on Mashujaa Day, renewing speculation about possible political cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement following Tuesday’s meeting, Sifuna thanked Gachagua and his wife, Dorcas, for hosting the Linda Mwananchi delegation and expressed hope that the encounter would lead to further engagements among opposition leaders.
“We believe this is the first of many engagements that will foster unity within the opposition as we gear up for the General Elections. Mbele kuzuri,” Sifuna said.
The meeting brought together leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), days after renewed public discussion about a possible alliance to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
Gachagua welcomed the delegation in a message shared on social media, describing its members as his cousins and adding: “When we come together great things must happen.”
Neither side announced a formal coalition agreement or a joint presidential ticket after the meeting.
Malala pushes for Gachagua-Sifuna alliance
The engagement comes amid calls by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala for Gachagua and Sifuna to work together in the next election.
Malala has argued that a joint political arrangement could consolidate opposition support and improve its prospects against Ruto. The proposal has fuelled debate over whether Gachagua and Sifuna could eventually agree on a shared ticket, although no such arrangement has been announced.
Malala has also drawn comparisons with the political alliances that helped opposition leaders challenge the ruling establishment in previous elections. In particular, he has cited the 2002 cooperation between leaders including Mwai Kibaki and the late Michael Wamalwa Kijana, which helped bring together support from different regions.
The historical comparison illustrates the appeal of coalition-building, but any similar arrangement in 2027 would depend on negotiations over leadership, party structures, regional support and the distribution of political positions.
Malala has further indicated that DCP would engage the Linda Mwananchi team before pursuing wider opposition cooperation, including discussions involving the Ukombozi camp associated with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Gachagua has previously backed Sifuna’s ambitions
Gachagua has previously expressed willingness to support Sifuna’s presidential ambitions if the Nairobi senator emerges as the strongest candidate to challenge Ruto.
In September, the former deputy president said Sifuna was among the opposition’s serious presidential contenders and indicated that he could support him, including by serving as his running mate if that proved necessary for opposition unity.
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The latest meeting therefore builds on earlier indications that the two political camps could find common ground despite their different political backgrounds.
Sifuna has emerged as a leading figure in Linda Mwananchi, a movement that has mobilised around calls for political change and better governance. Gachagua, meanwhile, has sought to consolidate his support base following his removal from the deputy presidency in October 2024 and has positioned DCP as a vehicle for opposition politics.
Their engagement could open the door to further consultations, but questions remain over how the movement and the party would coordinate their political strategies and whether their supporters would accept a common candidate.
For now, Sifuna’s message points to continued dialogue rather than a settled electoral pact. Whether the Wamunyoro meeting develops into a broader opposition alliance will depend on the next steps taken by the leaders and the terms on which they are prepared to cooperate.
