Senior counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has revealed that former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua might support PLP leader Martha Karua in the 2028 presidential election race.

Ahmednassir said Gachagua will challenge President William Ruto in 2027 unless he is blocked by the Courts.

He explaoined that Gachagua is the strongest candidate in the opposition and cannot support the other politicians for presidency.

However, the lawyer said Gachagua might support Karua if he is not cleared by the courts and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The lawyer dismissed other potential candidates such as retired Chief Justice (CF) David Maraga, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, citing their relatively low projected vote tallies.

“Gachagua as the undisputed kingpin of Central Kenya must be the natural/rational/obvious choice to be the presidential candidate for a united opposition. He can easily bring 3 to 4 million votes to the table. Then some want him to play second fiddle to retired CJ Maraga with 30 to 65k projected votes, Dr. Fred Matiang’i with 300k to 400k projected votes,  Eugene Wamalwa with 100k to 150k projected votes, Justin Muturi with 100k to 120k projected votes, Martha Karua with 100k to 200k projected votes (even though i suspect she will be Gachagua’s candidate if the Court’s don’t give him greenlight to run, in which case she will have 3 to 4 million votes), Kalonzo Musyoka with 2 to 2.4 million projected votes,” Ahmenassir said.

Preffered Ticket

He instead pushed for a Gachagua-Kalonzo Musyoka ticket, projecting that the Wiper leader could bring in 2 to 2.4 million votes.

“With this tabulation, the opposition shouldn’t waste time on useless debates. They need to urgently agree on the ministries and portfolios some will be given and settle on a Gachagua/Musyoka ticket. This clarity of thought and management of hope is vital,” Ahmednassir said.

Gachagua Declares Presidential Bid

Speaking in Karatina Town, Nyeri County, on Saturday, Gachagua told residents that he was firmly in the race to succeed President William Ruto, promising a more inclusive leadership.

“We shall liberate Kenya, no matter what! It is a matter of time,” he declared to a cheering crowd.

“The year 2027 is the time; I am firmly in the Presidential race for a better Kenya where every Kenyan will participate in governance of their country. Thank you, Karatina Town, for your warm welcome. I am with you every step of the way. God bless you, God bless Kenya.”

The endorsement has stirred political debate, with analysts noting that Gachagua’s bold entry into the 2027 race could reshape Kenya’s political landscape, especially if he breaks ranks with President Ruto and forges alliances with the opposition.

Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi gestures during the interview at his office on January 4, 2024. Picture by Francis Nderitu