Reports appearing in local media indicate that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is playing a quiet but pivotal role in brokering a political truce between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, as opposition figures intensify efforts to form a united front against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The emerging details suggest that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been at the centre of the negotiations, coordinating talks aimed at reconciling key political players whose fallout has defined Kenya’s post-2022 political realignments.
Relations between Uhuru and Gachagua sharply deteriorated during the swearing-in ceremony of the Kenya Kwanza administration at Kasarani Stadium, where then Deputy President Gachagua launched a scathing public attack on Uhuru’s administration.
“The truth of the matter is that we have inherited a dilapidated economy that is facing an almost total economic shutdown,” Gachagua declared, remarks widely viewed as a direct indictment of Uhuru’s leadership.
The rift deepened further following the controversial invasion of the Kenyatta family’s Northlands farm, where goons allegedly destroyed property and made away with livestock worth millions of shillings—an incident that entrenched hostilities between the two political camps.
However, the political tide would later turn against Gachagua. After being hounded out of office through an impeachment motion, the former Deputy President found himself on the opposition benches, significantly weakening his political leverage, particularly within the Mt Kenya region.
With his options narrowing, reports indicate that Gachagua sought an olive branch from the Kenyatta family, viewing reconciliation with Uhuru as critical to restoring his influence and re-establishing his foothold in Mt Kenya politics.
Local media reports now suggest that talks to reunite the two leaders have been ongoing for months, spearheaded by Kalonzo Musyoka, with insiders claiming that the handshake deal has already been sealed.
According to sources within the United Opposition inner circle, the agreement was finalized in Nigeria at the beginning of this year, following a high-level meeting between Kalonzo Musyoka and former President Obasanjo on the sidelines of the prestigious Future Africa Awards.
Obasanjo—hailed as one of Africa’s most influential elder statesmen—is said to have played a decisive mediation role, ultimately persuading Uhuru Kenyatta to agree to a political truce with Gachagua as part of a broader opposition realignment.
What remains now is the symbolic public handshake between the two leaders—former allies who once worked closely together, with Gachagua having previously served as Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal assistant.
Reports indicate that the anticipated handshake is expected later this month, a moment likely to recalibrate opposition politics and significantly reshape the 2027 electoral landscape.
