Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he is willing to deputise Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in the 2027 presidential election if the Opposition determines that the senator has the best chance of defeating President William Ruto.
Gachagua made the remarks while addressing Kenyans in Spokane, Washington, as Opposition leaders continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said the Opposition should use political numbers to determine who should lead its presidential ticket instead of allowing individual ambitions to divide the camp.
“If we do our arithmetic and find that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna will send President William Ruto home early, so be it,” Gachagua said.
“And there is no problem, by the way, even I, Riggy G, can deputise Sifuna. There is nothing wrong with that.”
The remarks are significant because of the political history between Gachagua and Sifuna.
Sifuna was among the politicians who supported the impeachment of Gachagua in 2024. The Senate subsequently removed Gachagua from office after a political fallout between him and President Ruto.
At the time, Sifuna defended his decision to support the impeachment motion, putting him on the opposite side of the political divide from Gachagua.
Gachagua's latest comments therefore point to a significant change in the political relationship between the two leaders as they seek to build an Opposition coalition ahead of the next election.
Gachagua said political differences of the past should not prevent Opposition leaders from working together.
Sifuna has also indicated that he is prepared to work with Gachagua despite having supported his impeachment.
“We will work with everyone who believes in these things, the Constitution and the rule of law,” Sifuna has said in reference to the Opposition's efforts to challenge the Ruto administration.
The Nairobi senator has emerged as one of the politicians seeking consideration for the Opposition presidential ticket, alongside a number of more experienced contenders.
Gachagua said Sifuna should not be dismissed because of his age, arguing that younger politicians could successfully lead countries.
“Sifuna is above 18 years, he is 44. Barack Obama was elected US President at 47,” he said.
“If at the age of 42 you can govern a country as large as the US, at 44 what is Kenya?”
Gachagua also encouraged Sifuna to pursue his political ambitions despite criticism from other leaders.
“I have told my younger brother, do not be discouraged by anybody, go for it,” he said.
The remarks come as the Opposition grapples with competing presidential ambitions.
Among those expected to feature in discussions over the Opposition ticket are Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Kalonzo has previously run for president and remains one of the senior figures in the Opposition. Matiang'i, who served as Interior Cabinet secretary under former president Uhuru Kenyatta, has also been linked to the 2027 race.
Karua and Wamalwa are part of the wider Opposition leadership, while Babu Owino has increasingly presented himself as a candidate for national office.
Gachagua himself has repeatedly indicated that he intends to play a major role in the 2027 contest.
However, he said Opposition leaders should be ready to support whoever emerges as the strongest candidate.
“We shall agree on one candidate to become our presidential candidate. Every candidate is equal to the task,” Gachagua said.
He added: “If you persuade us that you are the best person to take Ruto home, we will rally behind you. There is no problem.”
Gachagua also suggested that the eventual ticket could take different forms, depending on the political calculations.
“Even Sifuna can deputise me. Sifuna can also deputise Kalonzo Musyoka. Kalonzo can also deputise Sifuna,” he said.
The former Deputy President's comments put Sifuna directly into the conversation over the Opposition's top ticket at a time when the senator is using the Linda Mwananchi movement to build a national political profile.
Sifuna has held political positions in ODM and served as Nairobi Senator since 2022. His profile has grown through his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration and his role in Opposition political activities.
The senator has differed sharply with President Ruto on a number of political issues, particularly over the government's policies, the cost of living, governance and the conduct of the administration.
His emergence as a potential presidential contender has also drawn criticism from some senior politicians who question whether he has sufficient national experience.
Gachagua has rejected that argument and has instead presented Sifuna as a potential leader of the Opposition.
The former Deputy President's comments could complicate an already crowded contest, with several politicians expected to seek the Opposition ticket.
The key challenge for the Opposition will be agreeing on a candidate and persuading the other contenders to support the eventual nominee.
