Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has offered to personally lead Edwin Sifuna’s presidential campaign if the Nairobi Senator is selected to spearhead the opposition coalition’s race for State House ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said he was prepared to replace Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as the proposed presidential campaign director should opposition leaders settle on Sifuna as their preferred candidate.
The former Deputy President also expressed his willingness to support Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka if the opposition coalition decides that he is better positioned to lead its presidential campaign.
He maintained that the opposition should prioritise unity and agree on a candidate capable of bringing different political formations together as they prepare for the 2027 elections.
Gachagua made the remarks on Friday, October 30, 2026, during the official launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
His statement added a new dimension to discussions surrounding the opposition’s presidential succession plans, particularly as political leaders continue positioning themselves and their allies ahead of the next General Election.
Gachagua Says He Is Ready to Campaign for Kalonzo or Sifuna
Addressing supporters and political leaders during the Linda Mwananchi headquarters launch, Gachagua indicated that he would not oppose Kalonzo Musyoka if the opposition eventually chooses him to lead its presidential campaign.
He pledged to mobilise his political support base behind the Wiper Party leader without imposing conditions, arguing that the opposition’s collective interests should come before individual political ambitions.
Gachagua said:
“Wasipokubali mimi ndio natosha waseme ni Kalonzo Musyoka. Mimi na wafuasi wangu tutaunga mkono unconditionally.”
His remarks suggested that he was willing to support an alternative candidate if opposition leaders reached a consensus on Kalonzo’s candidature.
However, the former Deputy President made it clear that if the coalition settles on Edwin Sifuna, he would personally take charge of the presidential campaign.
He indicated that he would assume the campaign director’s responsibilities, effectively replacing Natembeya in the proposed position.
“Wasipoona Kalonzo atoshi waseme ni Sifuna, mimi Riggy G nitatoa Komado kwa hiyo kazi amepewa ya kuwa director ya presidential campaign. Mimi mwenyewe ndio nitaongoza hiyo campaign,” he added.
The declaration attracted attention because Natembeya had already been named in Sifuna’s proposed leadership structure as the person expected to oversee the presidential campaign.
Gachagua’s offer therefore raises questions about how the opposition movement intends to distribute responsibilities among its senior political figures as it prepares for the 2027 political contest.
Why Gachagua Wants to Replace Natembeya as Campaign Director
The proposed change in campaign leadership comes amid efforts by opposition figures to establish a coordinated political organisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
A presidential campaign director is expected to play an important role in coordinating political mobilisation, organising campaign activities, managing communication strategies and bringing different political interests together.
Gachagua’s offer to assume the position if Sifuna becomes the preferred candidate indicates his willingness to take an active role in the campaign rather than remain a supporting figure.
It also highlights the political importance of the leadership decisions being discussed within the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Natembeya had been proposed for the position because of his growing political profile and influence, particularly in the Western Kenya region.
However, Gachagua’s remarks introduce another possible arrangement in which the former Deputy President would personally oversee Sifuna’s presidential campaign.
It is important to note that Gachagua was expressing his willingness to take the position, rather than announcing an officially confirmed change in the movement’s proposed leadership structure.
Natembeya Named as Presidential Campaign Director in Sifuna’s Proposed Line-Up
Gachagua’s statement followed the unveiling of a proposed leadership structure for the Linda Mwananchi Movement by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Under the proposed arrangement, Natembeya was named as the movement’s presidential campaign director and chairman of its board of trustees.
The position would place the Trans Nzoia governor among the leading figures expected to coordinate the movement’s political activities and prepare its structures for the forthcoming electoral contest.
The proposed line-up also included several other prominent political figures who were assigned different responsibilities within the movement.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo was proposed as deputy chairperson of the board of trustees, while Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was named as the proposed chairperson.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was proposed for the secretary-general position, with Pauline Njoroge expected to serve as his deputy.
The proposed leadership structure is expected to be presented to the movement’s delegates for consideration as Linda Mwananchi continues working towards establishing its organisational framework.
The eventual approval of the proposed officials will be an important step in determining how the movement intends to operate and coordinate its political activities.
Gachagua Defends Sifuna’s 2027 Presidential Ambitions
During the same event, Gachagua also defended Sifuna’s potential presidential ambitions, arguing that the Nairobi senator should not be dismissed because of his age.
The former Deputy President took issue with criticism directed at Sifuna’s suitability for the country’s top political office, particularly comments attributed to Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
Gachagua argued that age should not be used as a reason to discourage Sifuna from pursuing the presidency, pointing to the constitutional rights of adult Kenyans to participate in the country’s political process.
He maintained that young political leaders should be given an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership abilities instead of being judged primarily on their age.
His remarks came amid increasing political discussion about whether Sifuna could emerge as a serious contender in the opposition’s search for a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna has increasingly featured in conversations about the future of the opposition, with supporters viewing his political communication skills and public profile as important assets.
Gachagua’s public defence of the senator adds to the growing attention surrounding the possibility of a Sifuna-led presidential campaign.
Gachagua Urges Western Kenya Residents to Attend Atwoli’s Bukhungu Meeting
Gachagua also used the occasion to encourage residents of Western Kenya to attend Atwoli’s planned December 26 meeting at Bukhungu Stadium in large numbers.
He urged residents to use the gathering to demonstrate their political position and support for Sifuna’s growing ambitions.
The meeting is expected to attract political attention because of the ongoing debate surrounding leadership, regional political influence and the opposition’s preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua’s remarks also appeared to challenge critics who have questioned whether Sifuna has the political experience and national appeal required to compete for the presidency.
By encouraging residents to attend the meeting, the former Deputy President sought to bring the discussion about Sifuna’s political future beyond Nairobi and into Western Kenya.
The region remains an important political constituency in national elections, making its support a significant consideration for any opposition leader seeking to build a competitive presidential campaign.
Linda Mwananchi Launch Attracts Key Opposition Leaders
The official launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington brought together several prominent opposition politicians as leaders explored ways of strengthening their political cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Among those present were Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The presence of the leaders highlighted the growing political conversations surrounding the formation of a united opposition front.
The movement is seeking to establish its structures and bring together political figures who share an interest in shaping the country’s political direction ahead of the next General Election.
However, the question of who should lead the opposition’s presidential campaign remains an important consideration.
Gachagua’s willingness to support Kalonzo while offering to direct Sifuna’s campaign illustrates the different political possibilities being discussed as opposition leaders consider their options.
The proposed leadership structure, including Natembeya’s role as campaign director, will also be central to discussions about how the movement intends to organise its political operations.
Who Will Lead the Opposition Presidential Campaign in 2027?
The question of who will eventually lead the opposition presidential campaign is likely to remain a major subject of political discussion as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Kalonzo Musyoka, Edwin Sifuna and other opposition figures have featured in conversations about the leadership of a possible united political front.
Gachagua’s latest remarks suggest that he is prepared to work with different candidates if opposition leaders agree on a common direction.
His offer to take over Natembeya’s proposed role if Sifuna is selected could also influence discussions about the movement’s campaign management and internal leadership arrangements.
For now, Natembeya remains the person named in Sifuna’s proposed leadership structure, while Gachagua has publicly expressed his willingness to assume the responsibility under a Sifuna-led presidential campaign.
As opposition leaders continue building alliances, their ability to agree on a presidential candidate, campaign leadership and an effective mobilisation strategy could become critical factors in determining their preparedness for the 2027 elections.
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