Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that one of the senior opposition principals will eventually join President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua made the remarks while addressing political supporters, saying the anticipated move would not alter what he described as Ruto’s expected departure from office after the 2027 polls.

“One of the senior opposition principals will join Ruto before 2027,” Gachagua said.

The claim comes as opposition leaders continue efforts to build a united political formation ahead of the election. Several opposition principals have publicly committed to working together and supporting a single presidential candidate, although questions remain over how the candidate will be selected.

In August, opposition leaders signed a unity pact committing themselves to a process aimed at producing one presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Gachagua has also repeatedly called for opposition unity while at the same time positioning himself as a possible candidate for the coalition ticket.

More recently, Gachagua has indicated that he is willing to support another opposition figure if the coalition agrees that a person should lead the campaign. He has also said he would not want his own presidential ambitions to divide the opposition.

The latest remarks, therefore, come against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations within the opposition, where several senior politicians are seeking influence and potential support for the 2027 presidential contest.

President Ruto, meanwhile, has said he remains open to working with political leaders across the divide, although he has ruled out working with leaders whom he says promote ethnic division or divisive rhetoric.

Gachagua has continued to position himself as a leading voice in the opposition, with his political activities focused on building a broad coalition capable of challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027.

The identity of the opposition principal referred to by Gachagua was not disclosed in his statement.

Gachagua: "One senior opposition principal will join Ruto before 2027, but that will not stop Ruto from going home".