We Are In Talks With Kalonzo: Gachagua
Gachagua was in Mbooni Constituency in Makueni County attending the burial of Agnes Mwikali Muiya where he admitted that he owed Kalonzo a favour
Marvin Chege 
Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, on Wednesday, December 18 confirmed that he would team up with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in a fresh bid to take President William Ruto head-on during the 2027 general elections.
Gachagua was in Mbooni Constituency in Makueni County attending the burial of Agnes Mwikali Muiya where he admitted that he owed Kalonzo a favour for standing with him since the regime of the late Mwai Kibaki, a hint at where his political future would go next.
The impeached second-in-command heaped praise on Kalonzo for opposing the Kenya Kwanza government and its policies, and once again accused President Ruto of betraying him when he needed him the most.
We are in talks with Kalonzo and we will strategise well. We are talking as Kenyans and looking for a way to improve the economy and end the trend of lies in the country- Rigathi Gachagua#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/T90LvfGl5K — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) December 18, 2024
"Wiper people led by Kalonzo have shown grace and we have decided you are our friends for life. And we don't just say that. When we say it, we mean it," Gachagua said, as he confirmed he was in talks with the Wiper Party leader.
Adding "We owe Kalonzo and you people. We are in talks with Kalonzo and we will strategise well. We are talking as Kenyans and looking for a way to improve the economy and end the trend of lies in the country."
Gachagua also expressed confidence that the Ukambani community possessed enough numbers to pose a serious threat to President Ruto's camp and all they needed to do to give that camp nightmares was to turn up in large numbers and register as voters.
He gave an exact figure of how many numbers would be required to swing the pendulum in their favour in the next elections, boldly claiming that his team has an unbeaten record in Kenyan politics.
"Mine is just to urge the Ukambani people to register as voters. As the nominated MCA said, leadership is registering and voting," Gachagua said.
"In Kenya to win a poll, you need 50 plus one. We want Kitui Machakos and Makueni to register themselves so we can get 3.5 to four million. Once you get to that figure, look for me because on our side we want to push 10 million. Everything is about strategy."
Gachagua's sentiments were backed by one of his fiercest supporters, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, who also publicly proclaimed his support towards Kalonzo, saying "Whenever Kalonzo comes to Kiambu he is very welcome and we will walk with him in 2027."
Gachagua is however constitutionally not able to contest for political office, which makes the backing of Kalonzo raise some questions, though his influence could prove key in Kalonzo doing what no presidential candidate has done in Kenya's history come 2027; unseat a sitting President after the first term.
After Gachagua's latest comments, the Kenyan political landscape could be set for a huge shake, three years before the next presidential poll. Gachagua has affirmed that his relationship with President Ruto is beyond repair and that this could kickstart the blossoming of the Gachagua-Kalonzo coalition.
On Sunday, November 24, the former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) announced that he would make a significant political announcement in January 2025 after holding consultations with like-minded residents of the Mt. Kenya region.
"We as the Mt. Kenya people hate two things; lies and betrayal. This coming January after the talks we will announce the next direction. Never again shall we find ourselves in the hole we are in," said Gachagua during a church service at AIPCA Kangari in Murang'a County.
"President Ruto, my friend, did a good thing to bring this fight against me and the people of the mountain because now we know him. Now we understand you (Ruto) and we will address you as we know you and who you are. Now we will have talks with respect."
President Ruto on his part is walking on a tightrope, but recent moves including closing ranks with Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta might hint at doing everything in his might to retain his seat and avoid being etched in Kenyan history books for the wrong reasons.
President William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta on December 9, 2024. /UHURU KENYATTA
