Gachagua, who heads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), openly dismissed Kalonzo’s proposal to unveil the opposition’s presidential flag bearer by March 2026.
Kalonzo had earlier announced that the coalition had agreed to make an early decision in a bid to prepare for a direct showdown with President William Ruto.
However, Gachagua sharply disagreed with Kalonzo’s timeline, arguing that an early announcement would only expose the candidate to undue pressure and harassment from the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking at a funeral in Murang'a County, Gachagua cautioned that naming the candidate too soon would invite intimidation and make them an easy target for Ruto’s government.
“We shall have one candidate to face Kasongo [President William Ruto]. I want to ask for patience. Don’t be in a hurry. The election is still far away,” Gachagua said.
“If we announce our presidential candidate right now, he will be intimidated and harassed by Ruto. We can’t do that. We are not fools.”
This disagreement has sparked concern within the opposition, raising questions about the unity of the coalition ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
While Kalonzo remains adamant that the decision should be made soon to prepare the ground for a fierce battle, Gachagua insists that waiting will help shield the opposition’s candidate from early attacks.
The clash marks a significant development in the run-up to the 2027 elections, as tensions within the opposition coalition continue to rise.
