Gachagua, Kalonzo team plots nationwide coalition meetings

FORMER Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies are planning a series of nationwide engagements as talks on alliances continue to take shape.

Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) and George Morara (Inject) have teamed up to unseat President William Ruto.

Jimmy Wanjigi of Safina party and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka also attended the meeting.

The team has so far had two strategy meetings in Nairobi in the past one week with the latest one being on Tuesday.

Gachagua and Kalonzo have separately engaged citizens in select vernacular radio stations.

Part of their strategy is to also strengthen individual parties before rallying behind one candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu – a close confidant of Gachagua – told the Star yesterday that the team will soon hit the ground and market their new-formed coalition.

“Nairobi is the capital city. Fire is lit at the centre before it is spread all over the forest,” Muriu told the Star.

He said the engagements are also aimed at consolidating support.

“We cannot watch the country being run down. We are focused on removing this regime,” Muriu said.

The unexpected alliance, mooted two years to the elections, could be Ruto’s biggest obstacle.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi – a close confidant of Kalonzo – said the opposition must remain united.

For years, the opposition has been affected by last-minute defections, betrayals and secret negotiations.

“The engagements will ensure we do not end up here again. This team understands the current challenges better,” Mwangangi said.

He called for strengthening of affiliate parties even as team seeks a formula to identify one of them to face Ruto.

“We need to strengthen the different political formations, a lot is happening. It is too painful to see the country going to the dogs,” the DG said.

Morara defended his decision to join Gachagua, saying the move will provide solutions to the country’s problems.

“Our job is not to complain but to offer solutions and ensure values and principles of good governance are held in high esteem,” he said.

“We want justice and opportunities for the youth to live, work and grow.”

Morara exuded confidence that he will be able to rally the youth vote for the new coalition.

“Gen Z are in opposition now. But with time, if we remain true to the cause, we will be the next government,” he said.

"Let us walk into the room with confidence and change how things are done from the inside. As your leader, I commit to be an outstanding icon of integrity.”