Muranga Governor Irungu Kangata has cautioned the united opposition that they risk failure in their 2027 electoral bid by excluding DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, whom he says commands a substantial following in Mt Kenya region.
Emerging reports indicate the united opposition has resolved not to include the DCP Party in its 2027 lineup, with latest indications showing the coalition is prepared to partner with Linda Mwananchi instead of Rigathi Gachagua’s outfit.
The opposition group reportedly believes Gachagua’s politics are divisive and that the impeached Deputy President alienates voters outside Mt Kenya, particularly in former Raila Odinga strongholds in Nyanza, Western Kenya, Nairobi and the Coast region.
“Serious Miscalculations”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kameme TV on Monday, Kangata warned that those dismissing Gachagua’s influence due to his impeachment are making serious miscalculations.
According to the governor, political power is not determined solely by the position one holds but also by the ability to mobilise leaders and voters.
“Anyone who despises Gachagua’s influence because he is impeached is mistaken. He may not have the biggest seat and yet have a lot of bargaining power,” Kangata said.
Mobilisation Power
The Muranga county chief emphasized that Gachagua retains significant leverage in political negotiations despite his impeachment.
“He may not have the biggest seat and yet have a lot of bargaining power. In the first place, he will be able to mobilise a huge number of MPs, senators and governors. Even if he is not vying, he will have huge leverage in the negotiation,” he added.
Opposition Lineup Excludes DCP
Current opposition arrangements for both the presidency and Nairobi county leadership have notably excluded Rigathi Gachagua and his DCP party from the equation.
The development signals a potential rift in opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general election, with questions emerging about how the exclusion of a key Mt Kenya figure might affect the coalition’s electoral prospects in the vote-rich region.
Strategic Dilemma
Kangata’s warning comes at a critical time as opposition formations intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, with coalition-building and regional balance emerging as key considerations in the political calculus.
The united opposition now faces a strategic dilemma: whether to maintain its current stance of excluding Gachagua to appeal to voters outside Mt Kenya, or to reconsider its position and risk alienating supporters in other regions who view the former Deputy President’s politics as divisive.
The governor’s remarks underscore the delicate balancing act facing the united opposition as it seeks to build a winning coalition while managing competing interests and regional dynamics across the country.
With just over a year until the 2027 general election, the question of Gachagua’s role—or absence—in the opposition lineup could prove decisive in determining the coalition’s ability to mount a credible challenge for State House.
