Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has addressed mourners at the funeral of Alice Wangari Gakuya in Makomboki village, Murang’a County, explaining why the opposition will delay naming its single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Speaking to a crowd of residents and political leaders on Saturday, January 3, 2025, Gachagua urged patience and unity. He drew on history and his personal experience to make his point.

“Na mimi nilikuwa sina askari. Askari nilikuwa nafikiria ni wangu ni watu ya Ruto. Watu ya kutuweka tumbo mbele. Walituuza sisi sote na bei ya jioni,” he said.

Gachagua emphasised that the opposition intends to field one candidate to challenge the current administration.

“Sisi tutakuwa na one candidate wa kupigana na kasongo. And I want to ask for patience. Msikuwe na haraka. Uchaguzi iko mbali.”

Compares to unveiling of Kibaki

He compared this approach to the strategy used to select Mwai Kibaki ahead of the 2002 general election.

“Mwai Kibaki alitangazwa kuwa single presidential candidate on 14th of October 2002. Uchaguzi ukibaki mwezi mbili na siku 13. Tukitangaza kiongozi saa hii, ataangaishwa sana na kasongo. Hatuwezi!” he said.

He dismissed claims that the opposition had fallen apart.

“Mimi naomba mrelax. Nimeona watu wakinipigia simu oooh, upinzani imesambaratika, imesambaratika namna gani. Upinzani ni nyinyi. Mnangoja tu kiongozi,” he added.

Gachagua outlined plans to build party in 2026.

“Wacha tuunde chama mwaka huu wa 2026. Uchaguzi ikibaki pale siku chache, ndio tutatoa mtu mmoja,” he said.

Ruto’s officials seek Gachagua at night

Gachagua also said they were waiting for allies, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and noted that some officials from Ruto’s government keep approaching him at night.

“Na pia nataka tungoje hii kina sifuna, si wanakuja? Tena kuna watu wengine ma PS, maminister watu ya Kasongo wananitafuta usiku na giza, wanasema wanakuja. So ngojeni, relax!”

He assured the crowd of unity and a single candidate.

“There is no problem at all. All I want to tell you is that there is a commitment. Kutakuwa na candidate mmoja. Na hapa mlima tutapiga kura moja. Last time tumegawa 1.1 kwa Raila, 3.8 kwa Ruto. Hii yetu yote tunapika kikapu mmoja,” he said.

Gachagua listed potential candidates to show flexibility.

“Tukiskizana ni Rigathi Gachagua, mtoto ya Mau Mau, kura yote ya mlima itaenda. Tukisikizana ni Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiangi, ama George Natembeya, kura yetu itaenda pamoja.”

Gachagua also raised the possibility of supporting ODM leader Oburu Odinga if he joins their camp.

“Ata hii mzee inaitwa Oburu nimeskia anataka. Sasa Bwana Sifuna ambia huyo mzee akuje aongee na sisi. Tukiskizana ni mzee Oburu, kura yetu yote itaenda wapi? Ile mtu hawezi pata kura yetu ata moja ni Kasongo,” he said.