Raila rules out deal with Gachagua

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has ruled out any possibility of joining forces with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Instead, Raila hinted at the prospect of entering into a formal and structured working relationship with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.

Raila’s clarification is expected to influence the direction of Gachagua’s alliance, which is seeking to build a formidable opposition force to challenge Ruto in 2027.

Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have been urging Raila to resume his opposition role and work with them in preparation for the next general election.

However, after days of speculation, Raila stated on Wednesday that he would align with progressive leaders rather than those who openly admitted to setting traps for him near State House.

“The other man said he had set traps everywhere to prevent me from reaching State House for a handshake. So, do you want us to work with someone who set traps for me? I told him that is impossible,” Raila remarked.

His comments were met with overwhelming support from Wajir residents, who unanimously rejected the idea of a possible coalition between Raila and Gachagua.

“The traps set against me did not work. That is why you saw me at State House alongside other East African leaders, including Presidents Museveni, Samia Suluhu, and Ruto,” Raila noted.

Ahead of last month’s African Union Commission (AUC) election, Kalonzo had urged Raila to return to the opposition should he fail to secure the AU chairmanship.

Kalonzo emphasised that he wants them both to work together to “liberate” the country from the current administration.

“Raila is pursuing the African Union seat, and I have encouraged him to go for it. But if things don’t go well, he should return so that we can liberate Kenya,” Kalonzo said.

However, he also suggested that Raila should consider retirement if he loses the AU bid.

“I don’t see how Raila Odinga could lose the chairmanship and then come back to lead Azimio. That would not be the Raila I know. He must also have a reality check. If he wins, that’s great for him, the country, and the continent. But if he loses, I think he should simply retire,” Kalonzo stated.

Meanwhile, Raila has intensified his nationwide consultations as his supporters eagerly await his final declaration on his next political move.