Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, telling a Kenyan diaspora gathering in Spokane, Washington, that age should not be used to lock young leaders out of the country’s top political seat.
Gachagua, who is on an extended diaspora tour of the United States, said he saw no reason why he could not support Sifuna, describing him as one of the serious contenders in the 2027 presidential race.
The former Deputy President also criticised COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli over remarks suggesting that Sifuna is too young to run for president and should wait his turn.
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Speaking in Spokane, Gachagua argued that a 44-year-old is capable of leading a country the size of Kenya, noting that much younger leaders have governed countries with significantly larger populations.
“I have told my younger brother, Edwin Sifuna, don’t be discouraged by anybody. Go for it,” Gachagua said, adding that if Sifuna convinces Kenyans that he is the best candidate, he would have no problem supporting him.
Gachagua said the same principle should apply to other politicians seeking the presidency, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, if they can convince voters that they have what it takes to lead the country.
He argued that political leaders should stop describing young people as leaders of tomorrow, saying such language sidelines them from participating meaningfully in the country’s leadership.
“We cannot be telling our young leaders that they are the leaders of tomorrow. That is misusing them. I want to tell our young leaders they are the leaders of today, and they must fight for their space. And I’m willing and ready,” he said.
Gachagua further indicated that he was open to working with Sifuna in whatever political arrangement the numbers would support, including a possible running mate partnership.
He floated several possibilities, including himself deputizing Sifuna, Sifuna deputizing him, or either of them pairing with Kalonzo, saying a political formula combining youthful energy and experience could be achieved.
“If we do our arithmetic and we find Sifuna, so be it. Even I, Riggy G, I can deputize Sifuna. Sifuna can deputize me. Sifuna can deputize Kalonzo. Kalonzo can deputize Sifuna. I can tell you, we will come up with one, and you will love it. I see a solution where we can blend youthful energy with experience for our country,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President also responded to Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who reportedly suggested that Sifuna’s political support was largely confined to Western Kenya.
Gachagua dismissed the regional argument, saying Mt Kenya had previously supported presidential candidates from outside the region, including President William Ruto.
He further argued that supporting Sifuna would not carry the same political baggage associated with some previous alliances, claiming that, unlike leaders previously backed by his region, Sifuna has no history linking him to past cycles of political violence.
Gachagua’s remarks add another dimension to the emerging political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Sifuna increasingly being mentioned among potential presidential contenders and discussions over possible coalition formations gaining momentum.
