Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has waded into the growing debate over opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that politicians seeking to build a presidential coalition should pay greater attention to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua than retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In a lengthy political assessment, Ahmednasir singled out Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, while also making pointed remarks about former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and other politicians.
Ahmednasir said:
A smart, serious non Kikuyu presidential candidate like Hon Kalonzo, Hon Sifuna et al (I don't want address/waste time on Dr. Fred Matiang'i et al who are political chattels owned by Uhuru and can easily be traded in the secondary political market against their consent, and no courtesy extended to be even told they will be sold tomorrow) desirous about winning in 2027 should stop wasting time with H.E UHURU. Uhuru is a paper tiger who has nothing useful to offer other than obsessive hatred for H.E William Ruto. He lives in that old pit of yesterday, wrapped in a woolen blanket, sipping his favourite drink, huffing and buffing, dreaming about Ruto 24/7(He shared with Kenyans his last dream that the Late Hon. Raila won the presidential election in 2022).
Ahmednasir then turned his attention to Gachagua, whom he described as a central figure in the political calculations surrounding the 2027 election.
The right person to sit behind, woo, court and cajole is H.E Rigathi Gachagua. This is the man of the moment when it becomes to Central Kenya. Gachagua is the most consequential politician after Ruto when it comes to 2027 political games.”
His comments come as opposition leaders continue to discuss possible alliances and presidential combinations ahead of the election.
Gachagua himself has publicly indicated that he is open to different opposition arrangements. Earlier this month, he said he could deputise Sifuna if political arithmetic showed that Sifuna was the stronger candidate, while also saying Sifuna could deputise him or Kalonzo.
Ahmednasir, however, went further in describing the influence he believes Gachagua could have over Central Kenya's political direction.
Rigathi will make and break Presidential candidates in 2027 (I don't want address noise makers or SMEs projects like Ndindi Nyoro etc al who are Uhuru's limping trojan horse).
He specifically urged Kalonzo and Sifuna to establish closer political engagement with Gachagua.
If Kalonzo or Sifuna are serious about winning, they must pay homage to Wamunyoro and stop wasting time with Uhuru.
Ahmednasir also warned that failing to engage Gachagua could have consequences for politicians seeking support from the Central Kenya region.
If they squander that golden opportunity...take it from me, Gachagua will break them into pieces and make someone else.
The lawyer further portrayed the relationship between Gachagua and Uhuru as a contest for influence over the region, arguing that Gachagua would not accept a subordinate political role to his predecessor.
GACHAGUA WILL NEVER PLAY SECOND FIDDLE TO UHURU. Uhuru's strategy going foward is to be relevant and edge out Gachagua when he has no cards to play...zero cards!
His remarks come at a time when Uhuru remains involved in opposition coalition politics. The former President was recently associated with the leadership of the rebranded Ukombozi Alliance, while political discussions continue over the roles of different opposition principals.
Uhuru has also publicly said Kenyans will ultimately decide who becomes president in 2027 and has rejected suggestions that he is sponsoring particular presidential candidates.
Ahmednasir nevertheless questioned Uhuru's current political influence, making a direct comparison with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
In today's political market, Uhuru's political shares are junk status. He has the same weight/value or even probably less as Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki.
He also put forward his own estimate of the level of support he believes Uhuru and Kindiki could personally deliver to a presidential candidate.
Both can get a Presidential candidate between 50k to 150k votes at most (the voters they are assured of 100%, consist of extended family, distant relatives, close friends, workers, colleagues...
The comments come against the backdrop of increasingly fluid opposition politics.
Gachagua has repeatedly said opposition leaders should first determine who is best positioned to challenge President William Ruto before settling on the final ticket. He has also indicated that he is willing to support another candidate if the political arithmetic points in that direction.
At the same time, Sifuna's political profile has grown significantly through the Linda Mwananchi movement, while Kalonzo remains one of the established opposition figures involved in coalition discussions.
Recent reporting has highlighted competing proposals involving Kalonzo and Sifuna, including a possible Kalonzo-Sifuna ticket, although the final opposition arrangement remains unsettled.
Ahmednasir's intervention therefore adds another voice to an increasingly complicated political conversation over who can consolidate different regions and opposition constituencies before 2027.