Rigathi Gachagua Sets 4 Million Ukambani Votes Benchmark for Kalonzo Musyoka to Secure Opposition Ticket in 2027

Kathiani, Machakos County – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern challenge to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, urging him to secure at least four million votes from Ukambani if he hopes to claim the opposition’s presidential ticket for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Saturday, January 10, during a public gathering in Kathiani, Machakos County, Gachagua acknowledged Kalonzo’s long-standing leadership and clean political record but emphasized that numerical strength is critical to uniting the opposition and mounting a credible challenge against President William Ruto.

"I want to tell you Ukambani people. Yours is the most dependable vote in the Kenyan republic because when Kalonzo tells you to go right, you do, even when he is not on the ballot. I want us to use your votes very well. Your votes will save Kenya. I want you all to enlist as voters and get to at least four million, and I know it will happen," Gachagua said.

The DCP party leader insisted that leadership qualities alone are not sufficient; they must be backed by a strong voter base. 

He underscored that the same threshold would apply to all opposition presidential aspirants, noting that he already commands six million votes from Mt. Kenya.

Gachagua highlighted that the Ukambani votes are pivotal in the opposition’s bid to unseat President Ruto. 

Without a strong showing from the region, he warned, no candidate could convincingly argue for the opposition flag.

"If you don’t enlist as voters, how will Kalonzo argue his case? If he comes with 1.5 million votes only, and I have six million votes, do you think I will listen to him? But if he has four million, we will listen to him," he added.

The former deputy president noted that while Kalonzo’s leadership is respected, the opposition must also weigh the practical ability of candidates to mobilize votes. 

He reiterated that other potential candidates, including Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and Martha Karua, will also be assessed on their voter bases before the coalition makes a final decision.

"We shall sit and talk about our presidential bids. Kalonzo will put up his bid, the same as others. Everyone will argue their case. We will ask him to table what he has in terms of votes, so that we can gauge if he will help," Gachagua explained.

Political observers note that Gachagua’s call for Kalonzo to produce four million votes reflects the high stakes of the 2027 elections and the importance of consolidating opposition support. 

Analysts argue that Ukambani, being a densely populated region, holds significant sway in national elections, and the ability to mobilize votes from the area could determine the outcome of a tight race.

Gachagua also praised Kalonzo for maintaining a clean political record, free from corruption and scandals. 

He said this credibility is a strong foundation, but the opposition requires both integrity and the ability to deliver votes at the ballot box.

The rallying call to Ukambani voters emphasized active participation in voter registration and turnout, highlighting that political promises must be backed by tangible numbers.

Gachagua’s remarks indicate a shift toward metrics-driven candidate selection within the opposition, prioritizing vote-winning capacity alongside leadership qualities.