Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and a delegation from the Linda Mwananchi Movement at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County. The meeting is being seen as a significant step towards a united opposition front for the 2027 General Election.

The meeting on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, was Gachagua's first high-profile political engagement since he returned from the United States.

Who was there

Sifuna's team included Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo and Linda Mwananchi communications official Pauline Njoroge, according to reports by Nation and People Daily.

Gachagua was joined by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala and Nyandarua Senator John Methu.

A "Sixth Administration"

Gachagua said the talks were about the country's future and the formation of a "Sixth Administration". He said the meeting was meant to show that the opposition is united behind the goal of removing President William Ruto from power in 2027.

The meeting was billed as introductory but went further than that. Leaders from both camps reportedly agreed to work towards a united presidential ticket and to support whoever emerges as the opposition's flagbearer.

A delicate dance

The two camps took different routes to opposition. Sifuna broke away from the ODM leadership that entered a broad-based arrangement with Ruto, while Gachagua was impeached as Deputy President in 2024 and formed DCP. Both now argue that a fragmented opposition would hand Ruto an easy second term.

Questions over who would lead a joint ticket, and how regional interests would be balanced, are still open. Sifuna has said Linda Mwananchi wants a presence in all 47 counties before negotiating a joint strategy with other opposition leaders.

What next

Sources close to Gachagua told Nation that Wamunyoro was "the first of a series" and that a meeting with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka would follow, ahead of a possible joint rally. That plan has not been confirmed publicly.

Linda Mwananchi has meanwhile announced its next rally for Kwale County on 31 October, taking its campaign to the Coast.

Photos: People Daily; Citizen Digital