Speaking during an interview on K24 TV on Monday, January 12, 2026, Gachagua dismissed speculation that Kalonzo could walk away from the opposition alliance in search of alternative political arrangements, insisting that such a move would be politically reckless.
According to Gachagua, Kalonzo is fully aware that the United Opposition currently enjoys significant goodwill in the Mt Kenya region and would not risk alienating millions of potential voters by shifting allegiances.
According to Gachagua, Kalonzo is fully aware that the United Opposition currently enjoys significant goodwill in the Mt Kenya region and would not risk alienating millions of potential voters by shifting allegiances.
“I do not think Kalonzo is foolish enough to walk away from Mt Kenya,” Gachagua said.
“You cannot abandon millions of votes to gamble elsewhere. Kalonzo is not that daft.”
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader appeared to draw a parallel with President William Ruto’s political journey, suggesting that strategic miscalculations in past elections had cost the President substantial support in vote-rich regions.
“He is too smart to repeat what Ruto did,” Gachagua added. “Ruto left the mountain and went looking for votes elsewhere.
He abandoned about five million votes to chase roughly one and a half million. Kalonzo will not make that mistake.”
Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing political manoeuvring within the United Opposition, as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid growing political manoeuvring within the United Opposition, as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Kalonzo Musyoka formally declared his intention to run for president in December 2025, raising questions about how the opposition coalition will ultimately settle on a single flagbearer.
While some observers have suggested that Kalonzo could seek alternative alliances if consensus within the coalition delays, Gachagua maintained that the Wiper leader understands the long-term value of staying put.
“Kalonzo knows where the numbers are,” he said.
While some observers have suggested that Kalonzo could seek alternative alliances if consensus within the coalition delays, Gachagua maintained that the Wiper leader understands the long-term value of staying put.
“Kalonzo knows where the numbers are,” he said.
“Politics is about arithmetic, and Mt Kenya is not a region you casually walk away from.”
In his end-of-year address to the nation on December 30, 2025, Kalonzo unveiled his presidential bid, presenting the United Opposition as a credible alternative to President William Ruto’s administration.
Describing the coalition as a “Government-in-Waiting,” Kalonzo said the opposition was united by shared values rather than personal ambition, promising to restore constitutionalism, economic justice, and integrity in public leadership.
“The United Opposition is not just a coalition; it is your Government-in-Waiting,” Kalonzo said at the time.
In his end-of-year address to the nation on December 30, 2025, Kalonzo unveiled his presidential bid, presenting the United Opposition as a credible alternative to President William Ruto’s administration.
Describing the coalition as a “Government-in-Waiting,” Kalonzo said the opposition was united by shared values rather than personal ambition, promising to restore constitutionalism, economic justice, and integrity in public leadership.
“The United Opposition is not just a coalition; it is your Government-in-Waiting,” Kalonzo said at the time.
“We are united by respect for the Constitution, economic justice, integrity in public office, and the protection of fundamental rights.”
He further revealed that the coalition would announce its presidential flagbearer by the first quarter of 2026, signalling early preparations to challenge Ruto in 2027.
Analysts say Mt Kenya remains a critical battleground in the next election, with both the government and opposition intensifying efforts to consolidate support in the region.
Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a key political voice in Mt Kenya following his fallout with President Ruto, argued that the region’s growing dissatisfaction with the current administration has tilted momentum towards the opposition.
He suggested that Kalonzo’s frequent visits to Mt Kenya counties and his engagement with local leaders are a clear indication that the Wiper leader has no intention of abandoning the coalition’s support base there.
“The reception Kalonzo is getting in the mountain speaks for itself,” Gachagua said.
He further revealed that the coalition would announce its presidential flagbearer by the first quarter of 2026, signalling early preparations to challenge Ruto in 2027.
Analysts say Mt Kenya remains a critical battleground in the next election, with both the government and opposition intensifying efforts to consolidate support in the region.
Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a key political voice in Mt Kenya following his fallout with President Ruto, argued that the region’s growing dissatisfaction with the current administration has tilted momentum towards the opposition.
He suggested that Kalonzo’s frequent visits to Mt Kenya counties and his engagement with local leaders are a clear indication that the Wiper leader has no intention of abandoning the coalition’s support base there.
“The reception Kalonzo is getting in the mountain speaks for itself,” Gachagua said.
“You don’t walk away from that kind of political capital.”
The United Opposition brings together several high-profile figures, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has also expressed interest in the presidency.
The United Opposition brings together several high-profile figures, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has also expressed interest in the presidency.
The presence of multiple strong contenders has fuelled debate over how the coalition will manage internal competition.
However, Gachagua downplayed the possibility of fractures, saying mature leadership and political pragmatism would guide the coalition’s decisions.
However, Gachagua downplayed the possibility of fractures, saying mature leadership and political pragmatism would guide the coalition’s decisions.
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