Wiper Democratic Movement Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa,Mukhisa Kituyi, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi during a meeting in Nairobi today 29th April 2025. Photo/Denish Ochieng’
By Newsflash Political Desk
Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election is beginning to shift rapidly, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua spearheading a coalition that is attracting key political heavyweights.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Gachagua’s team held a high-profile meeting in Nairobi with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, signaling a deepening of alliances and realignments that could reshape the country’s political future.
The meeting brought together an array of prominent figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Movement, and former ministers Mithika Linturi, Justin Muturi, and Dr Mukhisa Kituyi.
he gathering is being widely interpreted as the latest step in consolidating an opposition front capable of challenging President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Gachagua, who has been increasingly vocal in recent months about the need for a new political direction, expressed confidence in the growing alliance. “The team to liberate Kenya gets bigger every day,” he declared in a message posted shortly after the meeting. “Welcome, Dr Fred Matiang’i, Hon. JB Muturi and Hon. Mithika Linturi. You are on the right side of history.”
A new coalition in the making?
Matiang’i, who returned to the country recently after a long stay in the United States, has kept a low public profile since leaving government in 2022.
His appearance alongside Gachagua and other political leaders marks his most significant political move since his return, fueling speculation that he may be eyeing an active role in the upcoming elections.
The presence of Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua—both of whom contested the 2022 elections as part of the Azimio coalition—adds further intrigue to the emerging formation.
Their involvement suggests a possible shift away from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has yet to declare his intentions for 2027 amid speculation over his potential bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Political analysts view the meeting as a strategic realignment aimed at forming a formidable third force or even a rebranded opposition alliance. Gachagua, once seen as a close ally of President Ruto, has increasingly distanced himself from the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing policy differences and what he terms as the government’s failure to address key economic and social issues.
Read more: Matiang’i to kick off 2027 presidential bid preparations
Last week, Gachagua hinted at a behind-the-scenes meeting with Matiang’i, confirming they had held discussions upon Matiang’i’s return to Kenya. Tuesday’s public engagement now cements that alliance and raises questions about the future political positioning of several former senior officials.
With two years remaining to the next election, the 2027 race is already gaining momentum, and the latest developments point to an intense and possibly reconfigured contest.
As Gachagua’s bloc takes shape, attention now turns to whether other political players—including Raila Odinga and President Ruto—will respond to this evolving challenge or forge new coalitions of their own.
