Sifuna Visits Gachagua; Opposition Still Split on One Candidate

Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi senator, visited Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on Mashujaa Day, October 20, 2026. Kalonzo Musyoka followed on October 26. Opposition leaders say they want one candidate against President William Ruto in 2027, but they disagree on who and when.

Edwin Sifuna went to Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri county on Mashujaa Day, October 20, a trip a commentary says cut across a campaign in Luo Nyanza villages whose refrain was Anything but Gachagua.

No candidate has been named. Sources show a field of rival principals, a dispute over timing and a public spat over who has already been chosen.

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Sifuna and Kalonzo Come to Wamunyoro

On Mashujaa Day, Gachagua hosted Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi team. Gachagua said they held a candid, constructive discussion on liberating the country and forming a Sixth Administration.

On Saturday, October 24, DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala said at an event in Kakamega that DCP had settled on Sifuna. He said the party would meet Kalonzo on Monday so he could back Sifuna.

Wiper spokesperson Ndegwa Njiru rejected the claim, urging the media to treat it with the contempt it deserves. He described Malala’s remarks as the work of a playwright rather than a serious political actor. On Sunday, Kalonzo said people were sent to separate him and Gachagua, and that he would tell rival aspirants he is best placed to beat Ruto.

Kalonzo spoke at the 40th Anniversary Memorial and Thanksgiving Service of Mzee Ephantus Muchiri at Ithare-Ini in Kirinyaga County. He said he had gone to Wamunyoro when many doubted Gachagua would leave his village home, and that Gachagua later visited him in Tseikuru, Kitui County.

He also dismissed claims that he could join Ruto’s government, saying his focus was on uniting the opposition.

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On Monday, October 26, Kalonzo arrived with Ukambani governors Wavinya Ndeti, Mutula Kilonzo and Julius Malombe. Gachagua welcomed him: Unity of purpose is vital! When we come together, great things must happen. The two then held private talks, after a joint session between the Wiper and DCP delegations.

Parties Deny a Power-Sharing Deal but Split on Timing

DCP and Wiper denied the meeting was about a power-sharing deal. DCP Secretary General John Methu called it a family matter. Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said DCP and Wiper are inseparable.

Methu said the leaders discussed strengthening the opposition and consolidating support in its strongholds, while opening the door to other parties. They agreed to seek partnerships with groups committed to ensuring Ruto serves one term.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said agreement on a common team must come before roles are assigned. He expects intensified consultations through December and a Christmas present for Kenyans.

Timing divides the camps. Citing Nation reporting, Ua News says Kalonzo’s side wants a decision by December to give the nominee time to raise resources and build support before the August 10, 2027 election. Gachagua’s allies prefer a few months before the vote, fearing Ruto could lure dissatisfied leaders away. Wambua said no date is fixed.

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MP Edward Muriu said the partners agreed to begin with a charter of honour and a unity pact between the two parties, then move to a coalition. People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro said his party would back whoever emerges from the process.

Polls Leave Kalonzo Squeezed

Daily Nation describes Kalonzo as increasingly under pressure over disagreements among opposition parties on who should lead the campaign against Ruto. Another option is joining the camp of Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, which could force him to settle for a lesser position.

Polling shows a fragmented field. A July TIFA poll, as reported by Tuko, had Ruto at 24 percent, Sifuna 15, Matiang’i 14, Kalonzo 13 and Gachagua 7. A poll reported in the sources put Sifuna at 19.6 percent, Kalonzo 10.3, Matiang’i 7.2 and Gachagua 6.0.

Wamalwa Pledges Support as Gachagua’s Camp Pushes Back

At the launch of Linda Mwananchi’s Lavington headquarters, Wamalwa said he would be first to stand behind Sifuna if the opposition picks him, adding that the Luhya vote would go into one basket. He said DAP-Kenya would work closely with the ANC across the region.

Tuko’s October 28 front-page roundup reported that Gachagua’s camp denied any decision had been made, and that he was disappointed in Malala. Malala had urged Sifuna to court Mt Kenya, saying he took the DCP post to persuade Gachagua to back him. That report notes Gachagua’s support was not confirmed.

Whether Gachagua, Kalonzo and Sifuna can agree a name, and when, is unanswered. Wamalwa’s December hope is the only date on offer, and Wambua says none is fixed.