Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has thrown his weight behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, arguing that age should not be used to prevent young leaders from seeking Kenya’s highest office.
Speaking to Kenyans living in the diaspora in Spokane, Washington, during his ongoing tour of the United States, Gachagua described Sifuna as one of the serious contenders in the 2027 presidential race.
Gachagua also took issue with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who has previously suggested that Sifuna is too young to run for president and should wait for his turn.
The former Deputy President argued that Sifuna’s age should not be a barrier, noting that a 44-year-old is capable of leading Kenya and pointing out that younger leaders have successfully governed countries larger than Kenya.
“I have told my younger brother, Edwin Sifuna, don’t be discouraged by anybody. Go for it,” Gachagua said.
He added that Sifuna should pursue the presidency if he believes he can convince Kenyans that he is the best candidate.
According to Gachagua, he would have no problem supporting Sifuna if the senator succeeds in persuading the electorate to back his candidature.
The former Deputy President said the same principle should apply to other politicians seeking the presidency, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, provided they can convince Kenyans that they have what it takes to lead the country.
Gachagua: Young leaders are leaders of today
Gachagua also criticised the long-standing political narrative that young people are the leaders of tomorrow.
He argued that such messaging has been used to sideline young politicians and urged the younger generation to actively fight for political space.
“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,” he said.
Gachagua said he was ready to work with Sifuna under whatever political arrangement emerges from negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He even floated the possibility of a partnership in which either politician could serve as the other’s running mate.
“If we do our arithmetic and we find Sifuna, so be it. Even I, Riggy G, I can deputise Sifuna. Sifuna can deputise me. Sifuna can deputise Kalonzo. Kalonzo can deputise Sifuna,” Gachagua said.
He said political leaders could develop a formula combining the energy of younger politicians with the experience of older leaders.
“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,” he added.
Gachagua dismisses regional politics argument
Gachagua also responded to remarks attributed to Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who reportedly suggested that Sifuna’s political support was largely concentrated in Western Kenya.
The former Deputy President argued that regional origins should not determine who Kenyans can support for the presidency.
He pointed to Mt Kenya’s previous support for President William Ruto, despite Ruto coming from outside the region, as evidence that voters can rally behind candidates from other parts of the country.
Gachagua further argued that supporting Sifuna would not carry the political baggage associated with some previous alliances involving leaders from his region.
He maintained that, unlike some politicians previously backed by Mt Kenya, Sifuna has no history linking him to past cycles of political violence.
Gachagua’s remarks add a new dimension to the emerging 2027 political realignments, with potential alliances between younger leaders and experienced politicians increasingly becoming part of the national political conversation.
