Gachagua taps Ngilu's coalition experience in latest opposition consultation ahead of 2027

The meeting, held on November 3, 2026, centred on the formation of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) and the political strategy that propelled the late President Mwai Kibaki to power.

The DCP leader expressed confidence that a similar approach could deliver victory for the opposition in the 2027 General Election.

In a statement following the meeting, Gachagua described Ngilu as the "Iron Lady of Kenyan politics", crediting her with playing a pivotal role in bringing together opposition leaders who eventually defeated KANU in 2002.

"Hon. Ngilu was the architect of the NARC dream and, together with the late President Mwai Kibaki and Kijana Wamalwa, crafted a winning strategy that brought the KANU era to an end," Gachagua said.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said Ngilu had taken him through the political negotiations, coalition-building efforts and strategies employed by NARC ahead of the landmark election.

"This morning, I benefited greatly from Hon. Ngilu's wisdom as she took me through how NARC was crafted and implemented," he stated.

"She shared with me the strategy and insights they employed, as well as what we need to do to liberate our country from agents of corruption and impunity and lead it into prosperity."

Gachagua said the discussions had strengthened his understanding of how the opposition could build a united political front ahead of the next presidential contest.

"The lessons I have learnt will be very instrumental. I assure the Kenyan people that I am more knowledgeable, and I can clearly see light at the end of the tunnel," he added.

Drawing parallels between the political landscape of 2002 and the upcoming 2027 elections, Gachagua reiterated his commitment to having the opposition rally behind a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto.

"We have a 2002 moment, and our promise is that we shall identify one presidential candidate who will win by a landslide," he declared.

The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions within the opposition over political alliances and the formula for identifying a joint presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 elections.

In 2002, NARC brought together opposition leaders under Kibaki's presidential candidature, ending KANU's uninterrupted hold on power since Kenya attained independence in 1963.

Ngilu, who had contested the presidency in 1997, was among the prominent opposition figures who backed Kibaki's successful bid, alongside other political leaders, including the late Michael Kijana Wamalwa.

Gachagua's latest engagement signals his continued consultations with political figures as the opposition explores ways of consolidating support ahead of the next General Election.