The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to secure at least four million votes from his strongholds in Ukambani to enhance his chances in the 2027 presidential race.
Gachagua promised that the Mt Kenya region could contribute 10 million votes, boosting Musyoka’s tally to a total of 14 million votes.
Speaking at a funeral in Mbooni, Makueni County, on Wednesday, Gachagua emphasized the strength of a political alliance between Ukambani and Mt Kenya, which he believes could be formidable in the upcoming election.
“We have done the math. To win the presidency, you need 50 plus one percent of the votes. The people of Ukambani must now increase their votes to between 3.5 to 4 million,” Gachagua stated. He added that if Ukambani can achieve this goal, they could count on Mt Kenya to deliver 10 million votes in return.
Gachagua also highlighted the importance of youth voter registration, noting that a partnership between the two regions would be crucial for winning the 2027 election. He reassured Musyoka that Mt Kenya traditionally aligns with the winning side in elections, citing the region’s historical tendency to back successful teams.
Referring to Kalonzo’s political contributions in the past, particularly his role in stabilizing Mwai Kibaki’s presidency in 2007, Gachagua acknowledged a “political debt” owed to Ukambani. He reiterated that the Mt Kenya region remains committed to honoring this debt and fostering a new political alliance, signaling discussions with Kalonzo, Eugene Wamalwa, and other regional leaders, including those from Maasailand.
Gachagua also addressed his past support for President William Ruto, stating that Mt Kenya no longer owes Ruto any debt after his removal as deputy president. He made it clear that the region had initially hoped to support Ruto for two terms but ended the partnership after Ruto’s perceived disrespect.
Furthermore, Gachagua condemned the recent political insults directed at Kalonzo, calling the attacks “arrogant” and unfair, especially given Kalonzo’s broad national support. He also appealed to the government to halt demolitions of homes in Nairobi, particularly during the Christmas season, criticizing such actions as inhumane and contrary to the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
The government, in a statement, distanced itself from the demolitions, attributing the situation to a longstanding land ownership dispute.
