JUJA, Kenya — At a packed Sunday church service in Juja, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made an emphatic return to the political stage rallying the youth, rejecting talk of cracks in the opposition, and promising a new political movement of his own.
With just over two years to Kenya’s next general election, Gachagua is already striking a combative and hopeful tone, especially aimed at younger voters. His message was simple: Gen Z holds the keys to the country’s future.
“You are Kenya’s hope,” he told congregants in Kiambu County. “I’m asking Gen Z to get their ID cards, register as voters, and prepare. The Gen Z will be the ones to fix this country.”
His comments come in the wake of last year’s youth-led protests, which sent shockwaves through the political establishment and revealed the strength of a new, digitally-savvy generation demanding change.
Gachagua framed their role in 2027 as more than symbolic it’s a call to action. “Let us take back the soul of the nation,” he said.
But even as he looked to the future, questions linger over his own political standing and the unity of the opposition. Since his impeachment, Gachagua has kept a lower profile. Now, with the 2027 race drawing closer, he appears ready to step forward again and on his own terms.
In Juja, he revealed plans to launch a new political party this week. While details remain scarce, Gachagua called it a platform “for our people,” vowing it would not be hijacked or divided.
“We’ll unveil our party this week,” he said. “After that, we’ll hold a big celebration. This party belongs to us. We won’t allow anyone to split us.”
He stopped short of announcing a presidential bid, but hinted it’s only a matter of time. “People will know their candidate,” he said with a smile.
Denying Division
Gachagua was also keen to push back against growing speculation of rivalry within the opposition alliance, which includes other heavyweights like Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga, and Martha Karua all possible contenders for State House.
“We can’t fall out,” he said. “We’ll sit down and agree on one candidate. If it’s me, the others will back me. If it’s Kalonzo, we’ll all support him.”
He accused the ruling government of trying to stir division within the opposition camp a claim that couldn’t be independently verified and insisted their efforts would fail.
Kalonzo Weighs In
Also present at the service was Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who trained his fire on President William Ruto. Kalonzo criticized the president’s handling of the appointment process for new commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Kenya’s electoral watchdog.
“We are still insisting on inclusivity, consultation, and agreement,” Kalonzo said. “What’s happening now risks undermining the electoral process.”
His comments add to the growing unease in some quarters over the credibility of the 2027 election preparations, especially given Kenya’s history of contested results and electoral violence.
As the political drums begin to beat once again, Sunday’s service felt more like a soft campaign launch than a sermon. With promises of unity, youth mobilization, and new political vehicles, Gachagua and Kalonzo are already signaling their intention to shape the road ahead.
Whether the opposition can hold together and whether the youth will show up may well decide what kind of Kenya voters wake up to in 2027.
