Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday held talks with businessman and politician Jimmy Wanjigi at his Wamunyoro residence, signalling continued efforts to consolidate forces opposed to President William Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement shared after the meeting, Gachagua said the discussions centred on what he described as the country's "liberation" and the formation of the next government, underscoring his push to build a broad political coalition.
"I am pleased to have held consultations with businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, who called on me at the Wamunyoro residence," Gachagua said.
"The liberation cause of our country and the formation of the Sixth Administration is so critical that we must get views from all. I have greatly benefited from his insights and experience in the formation of governments. Consultations continue."
Although neither leader disclosed the details of their discussions, the meeting is likely to fuel speculation over emerging political alliances as opposition figures intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
The talks come at a time when Gachagua has stepped up engagements with political leaders, professionals, religious groups and regional opinion shapers in what his allies describe as efforts to build a national coalition capable of challenging President William Ruto's re-election bid.
For Wanjigi, the meeting marks another return to the country's political conversation after remaining largely out of the limelight following his unsuccessful attempt to secure the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) presidential ticket ahead of the 2022 General Election.
The businessman has previously positioned himself as a reformist voice, advocating economic transformation, accountability and institutional reforms, while maintaining influence within sections of the opposition.
Building a new political front
Monday's meeting adds to a series of consultations Gachagua has held since launching his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which he has presented as the vehicle for uniting opposition leaders under a common agenda.
The former Deputy President has repeatedly maintained that defeating President Ruto in 2027 will require a broad-based coalition bringing together political parties, civil society, business leaders, professionals and youth.
His latest consultations come amid heightened political activity following the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and growing realignments within the opposition, with several leaders holding talks on possible coalition arrangements.
Political analysts view the Wanjigi meeting as part of Gachagua's strategy of projecting himself as the principal opposition mobiliser while broadening his support beyond his traditional Mt Kenya base.
Pressure mounts ahead of 2027
The meeting also comes against the backdrop of escalating political tensions between the government and opposition leaders, including the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, a close ally of Gachagua, earlier on Monday.
Gachagua has accused the government of targeting his supporters through the criminal justice system, allegations the administration has denied, insisting that investigative agencies operate independently and enforce the law without regard to political affiliation.
As preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum, consultations such as Monday's meeting are expected to shape coalition negotiations and influence the emerging political landscape, with opposition leaders seeking to forge a united front against President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
