Gachagua reveals call with Babu over Ruto challenger

He said he had a call with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino earlier in the day in which he advised against pushing for the opposition to name its presidential candidate too early ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to Kenyans in Oregon on Friday night, Gachagua said he told Babu during a phone call that the time was not right to settle on the opposition's flagbearer, warning that an early announcement would give President William Ruto room to interfere with and weaken the opposition.

“I told Babu Owino, I have been around for long and I know how to do these things,” Gachagua said.

He argued that the opposition should first consolidate its support and strengthen its political machinery before deciding who will face Ruto.

Gachagua said naming the candidate too early would give the government sufficient time to cause what he described as “infiltration and division” within the opposition camp.

He cited the 2002 General Election as an example, noting that Mwai Kibaki was selected as the opposition's presidential candidate about two months and 13 days before the election.

Gachagua said there was therefore no need for the opposition to rush into announcing its candidate more than a year before the 2027 poll.

The DCP leader, however, maintained that he considers himself the leading contender to represent the opposition against Ruto.

He said he remains committed to the opposition fielding a single candidate, arguing that unity would improve its chances of defeating Ruto by avoiding a split in the anti-government vote.

Gachagua nevertheless said he would support whoever the opposition ultimately settles on as its presidential candidate.

His remarks come amid growing efforts by opposition leaders to build a united political front ahead of the 2027 election, with several politicians already positioning themselves for the presidency.