‘Kalonzo Is Not That Daft’: Gachagua Warns Him Not to Repeat Ruto’s Mt Kenya Mistake

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed speculation thatWiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka could walk away from the United Opposition, arguing that the coalition’s growing support in the Mt Kenya region makes any such move politically reckless ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua spoke on K24 TV on Monday, January 12, 2026, just weeks after Kalonzo officially declared his intention to run for president. While political observers have suggested that the Wiper leader may be weighing alternative alliances as the United Opposition delays naming its flag bearer, Gachagua insisted Kalonzo understands the strategic value of Mt Kenya’s massive voter base.

According to Gachagua, no serious presidential contender would turn their back on a region that commands millions of votes simply to chase smaller political blocs elsewhere.

“I don’t think Kalonzo will be foolish to leave because of a million votes. He will be like Ruto. He left the mountain and went to Luo-Nyanza. He left 5 million votes in search of 1.5 million votes. I don’t think Kalonzo is that daft!” Gachagua said.

Gachagua’s remarks come at a time when Kalonzo has moved aggressively to position himself as a leading contender for the presidency. In December 2025, the Wiper leader formally launched his bid, unveiling a broad reform agenda that he says will pull Kenya out of economic distress, corruption, and democratic erosion.

In his end-of-year address to the nation on December 30, 2025, Kalonzo framed the United Opposition as a government ready to take over power and steer the country in a new direction.

“My fellow Kenyans, I want to be very clear this afternoon. The United Opposition is not just a coalition. It is your Government-in-Waiting. We are united not by personal ambition, but by shared values: respect for the Constitution, economic justice, integrity in public office, and the protection of fundamental rights,” Kalonzo stated.

Kalonzo also confirmed that the opposition coalition will unveil its presidential candidate by the first quarter of 2026, a move that signals its intent to begin full-scale campaigning well ahead of the 2027 polls.

The United Opposition brings together several powerful political figures and parties, including Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, who has also declared interest in the presidency. The growing lineup has intensified internal competition, but Gachagua believes Kalonzo will not abandon a coalition that reportedly already enjoys strong grassroots momentum, particularly in vote-rich Mt Kenya.

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