Kenya: Gachagua Claims 12mn Votes As He Stakes Claim to Opposition Flagbearer Role

What the report says

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he can count on support from nearly 12 million voters as he builds his case to lead an opposition ticket in the 2027 presidential election. Capital FM reported that he made the remarks in Nairobi while meeting community mobilisers from Nyeri, framing the figures as a basis for talks with other would-be presidential contenders.

According to the report, Gachagua said he had already completed mobilisation efforts in Mt Kenya and Nairobi and was working to finalize outreach to Maasai and Kipsigis communities. He presented this as part of a broader effort to negotiate a single opposition flagbearer, rather than allow the vote to fragment among multiple candidates.

The article quoted Gachagua as saying his camp had secured support across several regions, including Mt Kenya, Nairobi, the Maasai community and Kipsigis voters. He also said people present had urged him to run for president. The report adds that he previously called for opposition parties to unite behind one candidate, naming Martha Karua, Fred Matiang'i, Kalonzo Musyoka and himself as possible options.

The push for a united opposition remains a notable feature of Kenya's pre-2027 election positioning. Capital FM noted that an online voting exercise announced in July by the Wantam movement is part of those efforts to help choose a single challenger to President William Ruto.