A political alliance between Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appears to be quietly forming, with speculation mounting about a plan to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

Despite Gachagua’s subdued presence since his removal, sources indicate that allies of both leaders are holding discreet meetings, exploring a strategy to defeat Ruto.

For Gachagua, this potential showdown with Ruto is personal—a chance to get back at the President, whom he helped secure power in Mt Kenya but believes was responsible for his own ouster as Deputy President. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, a Wiper deputy secretary general, hinted that a formal coalition could emerge by Christmas, with a strong focus on Mt Kenya.

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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains a key supporter of Kalonzo and could bolster his influence in Mt Kenya, making a partnership between Kalonzo and Gachagua more potent. Kalonzo’s recent outreach includes joint appearances with Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, signaling his active push to gain Central Kenya’s backing.

Meanwhile, President Ruto has dismissed the notion of divisive politics, emphasizing unity and denouncing “the politics of blackmail.”

Nevertheless, Kalonzo has stood by Gachagua since his impeachment, showing loyalty by supporting him in Parliament and urging Wiper MPs to oppose the impeachment vote. Allies close to both leaders see their alignment as increasingly likely, especially if Gachagua is formally pushed out of the ruling UDA.

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Political analyst Professor Gitile Naituli believes that Mt Kenya may eventually rally around Kalonzo as a response to Ruto’s sidelining of Gachagua. Naituli argues that this is less about individual ambitions and more about the region’s desire for an alternative leadership.

Kalonzo’s recent engagements in Central Kenya, including events in Murang’a, underscore his intent to bridge historical divides and unite the Agikuyu and Akamba communities.

Kalonzo’s inner circle is optimistic that backing Gachagua will secure Central Kenya’s support in the 2027 race. Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi confirmed that Wiper aims to unite like-minded Kenyans under a “transformative” coalition to confront Ruto.

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Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina and Gachagua’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, have also encouraged Gachagua to align with Kalonzo, suggesting he reach out to other influential figures such as Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

While the proposed alliance has gained traction, not all leaders opposed to Ruto are supportive of the idea. Some have voiced caution, signaling that a Kalonzo-Gachagua coalition may face resistance even among anti-Ruto factions.