Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the requiem service for the 21 children who died in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire on September 5, 2024.
Some of the allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are acquiring new political parties amid talks for a possible coalition with opposition leaders led by Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka.
Nation has learned of a series of private meetings involving Mr Gachagua, Mr Musyoka, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa as they begin strategising against President William Ruto, who will be seeking re-election in 2027.
The three leaders are said to have met at least twice after Mr Gachagua’s impeachment, according to sources within their circles. In these meetings, the leaders are reportedly considering abandoning Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition altogether to form a new election vehicle. There was also a suggestion to rebrand Azimio to accommodate the interests of new members.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, who has since become one of Mr Gachagua’s fiercest defenders, confirmed that he is acquiring a new political outfit. This comes as the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) issued provisional registration to at least seven new political parties, the latest being last month.
Mr Waititu, however, clarified that Mr Gachagua has no links with his party. He also declined to name the party.
The former governor, who was removed from office by impeachment – blocking him from running for an office in the next election – disclosed that he will soon launch the outfit after “tying loose ends” in the acquisition.
“It is an already registered political party. It is in existence but not active. Allow us to tie loose ends before we can make it public,” he said. He also confirmed talks for a coalition between Gachagua and Musyoka.
In a separate interview, Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni told Nation that Mr Waititu is securing the Kenya Reform Party (KRP), an affiliate of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
KRP, whose symbol is a mechanical gear and shaft, two leaves, and two spears, was issued a registration certificate in 2016 and was formerly Diligence Development Alliance.
KRP is currently run by Mr Munene Kahiro as its national chairman, according to records by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. Registrar of Parties Anne Nderitu said her office has yet to receive any communication regarding leadership changes.
“Unless they have those talks out there, there is no formal application for any changes,” said Ms Nderitu.
Mr Kioni further claimed that Gachagua is also acquiring another party through proxies. Records from the ORPP indicate that seven political parties have since obtained provisional registration.
They include Kenya Ahadi Party (KAP), registered on October 16, 2024; Imarisha Uchumi Party (IUP), registered on June 24, 2024; and Peoples Forum for Rebuilding Democracy (PFRD), registered on June 13, 2024.
Other outfits with provisional registration are the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), The We Alliance Party (TWAP), Kenya Liberals Alliance (KLAP), and Chama Changamko Kenya (CCK).
Mr Gachagua was officially kicked out as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) deputy party leader on Monday, and subsequently replaced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. This, by implication, leaves him without a party.
“We are going to have a new coalition, which will incorporate new members and retain some of the Azimio members. It is obvious that we will work with Gachagua. You saw how Wiper MPs defended him during the impeachment,” said Mr Waititu.
The feeling among the team is that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga will likely back Dr Ruto’s re-election. In July, Dr Ruto incorporated top ODM officials into his administration by appointing them to the Cabinet. He is also backing Odinga for his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Mr Kioni said he had yet to meet Gachagua personally, but admitted having met with the former DP’s political advisor and former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu at the latter’s request. He also denied knowledge of any meeting between Mr Gachagua and Mr Musyoka.
“The only meeting I know of was at Karen hospital (when Gachagua was admitted). But I can tell you that there are many people who are pushing us to meet. We have a team of elected leaders from Mt Kenya who are trying to create political momentum out of the impeachment. They want to exploit the momentum in negotiating with Azimio for the purposes of the 2027 elections,” said Mr Kioni.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, a close ally of Mr Musyoka, also admitted to serious talks by various political players.
“There are serious talks about the next General Election between my party leader and a host of leaders from all over the country. In fact, there are talks even with global leaders in politics and business,” said Mr Wambua.
Read: Two years after sweeping Mt Kenya off its feet, shaky relationship presents Ruto with 2027 dilemma
“As to the specifics of the matters under discussion and the particulars of the individuals, I am not at liberty to divulge such details at this time. I don’t know if DP Gachagua and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka have held any formal meeting before, during, or after the impeachment of the former. What I know, and I am satisfied with, is that channels of communication between the two are open should they choose to engage,” he explained.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi described Mr Musyoka as a national leader with political networks spread across the country. He said Mr Musyoka was actively seeking to unite his political bastions while activating both new and old networks, including the populous Mt Kenya region.
“As a presidential contender in the 2027 General Election, he has to first unite his region before going out to seek the support of other regions. He has also made it clear that he will stand with the youth, who have complained about how the country is being governed,” said Mr Mwangangi.
He added, “He is busy mobilising and selling his ideas to the people. Part of his activities involve meeting various political players and going out to the people to listen to their demands.”
Mr Musyoka is seeking to exploit the current perceived disaffection against President William Ruto’s administration in the populous Mt Kenya region following the impeachment of Mr Gachagua.
Musyoka and Gachagua have since shifted their focus to the Gen Zs, who are seen to be critical of President Ruto’s administration. In June, the Gen Zs staged a siege against the Kenya Kwanza administration, forcing the President to drop the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, and proceed to dissolve his Cabinet.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, politicians are racing to capture the hearts of the youthful population that forms a critical voting bloc.
On Sunday, Mr Gachagua addressed congregants at the Priesthood Fellowship Church in Kahawa West, calling on Gen Zs to register as voters.
Come out
“I want to call upon the youth, especially Gen Zs, to come out and register as voters in large numbers. That will be your shield in the 2027 General Election,” said Mr Gachagua.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, a close ally of MrGachagua, said there are possibilities of the former DP making a deal with other regions to increase the chances of success.
He disclosed that Mr Gachagua and his allies will soon be closing ranks with key leaders from across the country to field a formidable force able to upset the current political arrangement.
“We have friends, and they are many. They are willing to join us and battle from the same 2027 terraces. That requires time and strategy. President Ruto started scheming against his boss, Uhuru Kenyatta, in 2013 and had 10 years of organising himself. We only have two years,” he said.
