Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has outlined a series of conditions Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna must meet to secure his backing for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a face-to-face engagement with Sifuna in Thika, Kiambu County, on November 7, Gachagua said the region would not repeat what he described as its mistake in the 2022 General Election, when it overwhelmingly backed President William Ruto.
He further insisted that Mount Kenya’s votes would not be handed to any candidate without thorough scrutiny, consultations and an assessment of their integrity and leadership credentials.
Gachagua explained to Sifuna that anyone seeking Mount Kenya’s political support must be prepared to answer difficult questions before the region makes its decision.
He maintained that the region must carefully examine potential political partners, assess their character and leadership records.
The former Deputy President further emphasized that he would not be rushed into declaring support for any presidential aspirant, saying consultations must take precedence over political excitement and premature endorsements.
“Lawyer Sifuna here at Mount Kenya: we gave our votes to Ruto freely; this time, to get votes in Mount Kenya will take negotiations. We want to be very careful. Never again shall we give our votes just like that; we have to look and study, interrogate, consult, review and make an informed decision, and that is why we ask for patience; we should not be rushed to name anyone,” Gachagua explained.
Also Read: Kalonzo Reveals Truth Behind Gachagua; Justin Muturi Feud
Edwin Sifuna on His Collaboration with Gachagua and Opposition
Addressing the decision for the opposition to name a presidential candidate who will go against Ruto in the 2027 election.
Sifuna noted that the matter was politically important and would be deliberated carefully.
The senator explained that, to meet their intended goal, the opposition has no room for sentiment, adding that he and Gachagua are among the least likely people the public would expect to pair up.
“The work ahead of us, especially for the members of the united opposition, there can be no room for sentiment. I was trying to explain to people how I found myself sitting along with Rigathi Gachagua; we are the most unlikely of bedfellows, as they say,” Edwin Sifuna stated.
Explaining their unexpected collaboration, the Senator cited his history with Rigathi, confirming that the two had a checkered past, especially because of his role during Rigathi’s impeachment.
However, he confirmed that they realized William Ruto is a threat to the country and agreed that the opposition would do anything to unseat Ruto.
Further, he affirmed that he would support the decision made by the opposition members on whether the presidential candidate would come from Linda Mwananchi or DCPP.
In support, Gachagua assured the public that the opposition will name one presidential candidate.
“Sifuna has told you we have talked with the rest, and do not worry about the small noise going on; finally, the commitment to one single presidential candidate is total. We shall give you one presidential candidate,” Rigathi affirmed.
Also Read: Gachagua Fires Back at Matiang’i, Muturi Over Bullying Claims in Opposition Power Struggle
Call to Political Aspirants
Rigathi has also called upon the aspirants eyeing various seats in the 2027 race to ensure that they are aligned with the needs of the country.
“The lawyers who have declared their bids in the election, some should go to the Senate, others to the National Assembly and even become speakers, and I also want to promise you that among the lawyers we shall have quite a number of you in our diplomatic service. I want to say we will be together; we are going to partner,” Rigathi said.
He argued that the knowledge and eloquence in English should be used to hold discussions with other nations to help the Kenya.
In addition, he praised the late Raila Odinga and his base in the ODM party, urging those left in the party to do better politics in honor of Raila.
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