Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted at a possible alliance between the United Opposition and the Edwin Sifuna-aligned rebel faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during an interview with K24 TV and several local Maa radio stations on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader included the Sifuna-led ODM wing in the broader United Opposition lineup.

He stated that if the faction fronts a strong presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto, such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, the current opposition principals who are eyeing the presidency would be willing to shelve their ambitions and rally behind that candidate.

He referred to the group as “ODM B” in their quest to unseat President Ruto in 2027.

Gachagua also cited Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah as a potential candidate within the united opposition lineup, noting that opposition leaders would likewise step aside to support him should he emerge as the strongest presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Kama hawa watu wa ODM B watatoa mtu akuje, kama ni Omtatah, pia akuje, tukae chinj, tuulizane nani kati yetu ako na umarufu wa kutosha wa kusukuma huyu mtu aende nyumbani. Tutasikizana,” Gachagua stated

ODM rebels

The Sifuna-aligned ODM faction, now branded the ODM Linda Wananchi team, has been traversing the country holding political rallies, with the latest gathering in Busia reportedly drawing large crowds.

The faction broke away from the Oburu Odinga-led wing following the party’s proposal to enter into a coalition arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Through leaders such as James Orengo, the faction has recently criticised the ODM party’s top leadership for failing to field a presidential candidate and instead backing President Ruto’s re-election bid.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, a member of the rebel group, has also expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s direction, arguing that during Raila Odinga’s political career, ODM rarely sought alliances but instead attracted other parties seeking to form coalitions.

However, some members within the Oburu-led faction have ruled out any coalition talks with Gachagua’s DCP. They warned that any attempt by the party leader to initiate negotiations with DCP would not receive their support, arguing that the two parties are not ideologically aligned and do not share similar political values.

United Opposition flagbearer

This comes at a time when united opposition principals, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party leader JB Muturi, and DCP party boss Rigathi Gachagua, are all eyeing the top seat.

They have vowed that when the right time comes, they will be ready to shelve their individual political ambitions and rally behind a single agreed candidate to challenge President William Ruto.