The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday held talks with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his rural residence in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, as opposition leaders stepped up consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meeting comes as opposition figures explore the possibility of fielding a joint presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the next election.
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Kalonzo had announced on Sunday that he planned to visit Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). The talks also come amid emerging disagreements over Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
The meeting followed Gachagua’s October 20 engagement with leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement, which is linked to Sifuna, sparking speculation about potential political cooperation between the groups.
Details of Monday’s discussions were not immediately disclosed. However, the engagement comes amid growing calls for opposition leaders to agree on a common candidate and build a united front against Ruto.
On Sunday, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala said the party planned to meet Kalonzo to persuade him to support Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Malala maintained that DCP had identified the Nairobi senator as its preferred candidate and was reaching out to other opposition leaders to rally support around him.
“You have seen DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua meet Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna the other day. They are united,” Malala said.
He added that the party wanted to engage Kalonzo and convince him to back Sifuna, expressing confidence in the senator’s suitability for the presidential race.
The October 20 meeting at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home brought together representatives from DCP and the Linda Mwananchi camp. Those present included former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo, Linda Mwananchi communications head Pauline Njoroge, DCP Secretary General John Methu and Malala.
The meeting took place shortly after Gachagua returned from the United States, further fuelling speculation about possible collaboration between his party and politicians associated with Sifuna.
However, Wiper rejected Malala’s claim that the planned engagement with Kalonzo was intended to persuade him to endorse Sifuna.
Wiper spokesperson and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru dismissed the assertion, accusing Malala of promoting a divisive narrative that could weaken efforts to unite the opposition.
READ ALSO: Wiper Breaks Silence on Claims Linking Kalonzo to Sifuna
Njiru urged the media to treat Malala’s remarks with scepticism, describing them as politically divisive and questioning the deputy party leader’s intentions.
The exchange highlights the differences emerging among opposition parties as they explore possible alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
While DCP has openly named Sifuna as its preferred presidential candidate, Wiper’s response signals that consensus on the opposition’s flag bearer remains uncertain.
The ongoing consultations involving Kalonzo, Gachagua and other opposition figures could play a significant role in determining whether rival political camps can agree on a common platform before the next General Election.
