Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined worshippers at a church service in Isinya, Kajiado County, on Sunday morning, ahead of a major opposition gathering expected to draw some of the country's leading political figures to Kitengela.
Gachagua attended the service at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya as preparations gathered pace for the Ukombozi Rally, scheduled for 2pm in Kitengela Town.
The meeting is expected to bring together Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, among other opposition figures.
The rally comes at a politically significant moment for the opposition, whose leaders have been working to present a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election.
For supporters, the gathering offers an opportunity to hear the opposition's position on the country's political and economic direction. For the leaders, it presents another test of their ability to work together despite emerging differences.
The political backdrop is complicated. Gachagua's proposal for a three-bloc alliance involving the Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western regions has drawn criticism from some opposition figures.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has warned against what he described as “majoritarian arrogance”, arguing that an approach centred on regional voting numbers could undermine efforts to build a united opposition.
Gachagua, however, has defended his position, maintaining that political leaders should demonstrate their ability to mobilise support rather than rely on negotiations alone.
Earlier on Sunday, Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang'i also held a meeting in Nairobi amid the growing disagreements. Matiang'i later shared photographs of the three leaders, accompanied by the message: “Brothers will always put Kenya first.”
Their meeting, followed by the planned Kitengela rally, offers a glimpse into ongoing efforts to manage political differences within the opposition.
The gathering is also significant because the leaders are seeking to build a coalition capable of challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Whether their public appearances together will translate into a lasting political agreement remains an open question.
