Speaking during his weekly political analysis on Tuesday, February 2026, Manyora acknowledged that Gachagua remains a powerful figure within his community and the wider opposition.
He noted that the former DP commands both influence and numbers, making his backing important for anyone seeking support in the region.
However, Manyora insisted that these strengths have not been enough to convince Kenyans that Gachagua could become the next president.
According to Manyora, Gachagua is widely accepted as the de facto leader of the opposition and an engine of the current political resistance against President William Ruto’s government.
Still, he argued that the former DP lacks the national stature and image needed to win the presidency.
“As much as he is the man without whose support nobody can move far, even his own people from Mt Kenya are yet to see him as presidential material,” Manyora remarked.
He went further to point out that there is a growing feeling across the country that Mt Kenya should not produce a presidential candidate in the next general election.
Instead, Manyora suggested that the region may play the role of kingmaker rather than producing the flagbearer.
The debate comes as the United Opposition continues to search for a strong candidate to face President Ruto in 2027.
Top opposition leaders have been holding regular meetings and even hinted at unveiling a new coalition name that will bring together several parties under one roof.
Recently, the team appointed former UNCTAD chair Mukhisa Kituyi as head of its secretariat and spokesman, a move that briefly caused internal disagreements before calm was restored.
On his part, Gachagua has publicly assured his supporters that he will rally behind any candidate the coalition agrees on.
Manyora: Mt Kenya does not see Gachagua as presidential material.
He has urged his Mt Kenya community to embrace unity and support the broader opposition’s choice.
While Gachagua remains influential, Manyora’s analysis paints a picture of a leader respected locally but yet to win over the country as a whole.
