Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua says a leaked power-sharing deal naming him prime Cabinet secretary is nothing but state-crafted fiction.
In a late-night video on July 21, he claimed National Intelligence Service operatives planted the story aired by KTN News to fracture the budding United Opposition ahead of the 2027 race.
“I’ve seen reports by KTN, sponsored by the NIS, claiming that we’ve reached an agreement on who will be the opposition’s flagbearer. That’s false; we haven’t settled on anyone yet. The only thing we’ve agreed on is that Ruto must serve one term… Most Kenyans don’t even care who replaces him, as long as Ruto goes,” he said.
Gachagua insists every hopeful must court voters first. He revealed that after next year’s Christmas break, coalition leaders will “count the numbers” and unveil a single challenger in December 2026.
“We’ve agreed that anyone eyeing the presidency must go out and seek votes. After Christmas next year, we will sit down, count the numbers, and choose one candidate to face Ruto,” he added.
The video was sponsored by NIS – Gachagua to KTN pic.twitter.com/unB57H9CI2
— PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) July 21, 2025
Still, the Democracy for Citizens Party boss considers himself the frontrunner. “I consider myself a front-runner and believe I have the best chance to win. However, if the formula we adopt doesn’t favour me, I will step aside and fully support the candidate who does,” he pledged.
The leaked document—dismissed by Gachagua—had Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as presidential pick, with Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, or George Natembeya as possible running mates. It slotted Gachagua into the prime CS seat, Martha Karua as National Assembly Speaker, and former AG Justin Muturi back at the State Law Office.
| Name | Role in Leak | Current Post |
|---|---|---|
| Kalonzo Musyoka | President | Wiper Party leader |
| Rigathi Gachagua | Prime CS | DCP leader, ex-DP |
| Fred Matiang’i | Deputy/Interior CS | Former Interior CS |
| Eugene Wamalwa | Deputy/Senate Speaker | DAP-K Kenya boss |
| George Natembeya | Deputy/Interior CS | Trans Nzoia governor |
| Martha Karua | National Assembly Speaker | PLP leader |
| Justin Muturi | Attorney General | Former AG |
Some allies are unconvinced. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi warns Gachagua lacks cross-country appeal but concedes the ex-DP could galvanise anti-Ruto forces.
For now, opposition chiefs are barnstorming the country, united by a single mission, make William Ruto a one-term president, while Kenyans wait to see whose name tops the ballot.
