Gachagua: GEMA a force to reckon with in deciding Kenya’s next government

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that the Gikuyu, Embu, Meru and Akamba (GEMA) communities will be the dominant force in forming Kenya’s next government, with or without the backing of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking at a church service in Machakos on Sunday, Gachagua expressed confidence in GEMA’s ability to shape the country’s political future.

“GEMA ndiyo dawa ya Kenya. GEMA itaunda the next government,” he stated, reinforcing his belief that their unity would guarantee political dominance.

Gachagua assured his supporters that their numbers were strong enough to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

“We have looked at the numbers and they are good, with or without him (Raila),” he emphasised.

The former deputy president also launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, arguing that his political survival now hinges on Odinga’s influence.

“Life support machine ya Ruto ni Raila saa hii. Akizima, amekwisha,” Gachagua asserted, predicting a tough re-election battle for Ruto in 2027.

“Ruto atakuwa number three ama number four 2027,” he added.

Gachagua further proclaimed that if GEMA communities remained united, they could dominate Kenya’s leadership for the next century.

“If we unite as GEMA, we shall be in power for the next 100 years,” he declared.

Political future

His remarks come amid growing speculation about his political future and recent overtures to opposition figures. Just days earlier, he had hinted at being open to working with Odinga to unseat President Ruto.

Odinga and Ruto have recently struck a political deal that has seen several of the ODM leader’s allies join the government, a move Gachagua views as a betrayal of opposition ideals.

During an interview with Musyi FM and other Kamba radio stations on Wednesday, Gachagua was asked about the possibility of working with Odinga.

“I do not understand Raila’s intentions; it is his choice whether he wants to be with Ruto and water down his political legacy or join the side of liberating this country,” he responded.

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According to Gachagua, Gen Z voters — who played a key role in the 2022 elections — will not support Ruto in 2027.

“Ruto is not getting a vote from the 9 million Kenyan Gen Zs, so whether Raila is with him or not, we will defeat him. Kenyans have already decided Ruto must go home and want a new government that serves them,” he asserted.

In his bid to form a formidable opposition coalition, Gachagua has held talks with key political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa. His efforts signal a major realignment in Kenya’s political landscape as the 2027 elections draw closer.