Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has signaled that his preferred presidential candidate for the next election is Kalonzo Musyoka, the United Opposition.

In contrast, Fred Matiangi faces a frosty reception from Gachagua. Sources say several factors make Matiangi an unappealing ally.

Already, Matiangi’s decision to remain within the Jubilee Party is seen as a direct threat to Gachagua’s DCP dominance in Mt. Kenya, with Gachagua reportedly viewing Jubilee as the only platform capable of challenging his emerging political hegemony in the region.

According to his inner circle, the DCP boss  has dismissed the value of Kisii votes, which Matiangi is expected to mobilize, arguing that Abagusii numbers are too small to influence national outcome in 2027.  There is also a lingering personal grievance from Matiangi’s tenure as CS for Interior Security, with Gachagua citing what he describes as harassment during that period when the DCI raided his home in 2016. This history appears to have left him cautious about aligning with Matiangi.

Gachagua is also unconvinced that Matiangi would be willing or able to deliver significant power-sharing guarantees if he were to form a government, particularly Gachagua’s demand for a substantial stake in governance. This is because he sees the former CS as an Uhuru puppet not answerable to him, but only the former President.

In contrast, Kalonzo is perceived by the DCP  as someone who can be trusted to negotiate and honor agreements, making him a more reliable partner for Gachagua’s long-term ambitions.

Political analysts suggest that Gachagua’s preference more about consolidating influence and not any anchored ideology. By aligning with a candidate he perceives as experienced, manageable, and electorally valuable, Gachagua is ensuring that Mt. Kenya remains central to his strategy, while sidelining figures who could threaten his control.

As the campaigns intensify, all eyes will be on how this regional power broker navigates alliances and whether his choice will tilt the balance in the 2027 belections.

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