Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has sparked fresh debate within Kenya’s opposition politics after alleging the existence of a behind-the-scenes agreement that could shape the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking during a Sunday night interview on August 9, Kuria claimed that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has already been settled on as the preferred presidential flagbearer by key political figures, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
According to Kuria, the alleged arrangement sidelines other opposition figures, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whom he warned against pursuing a path he described as politically misguided.
“Sifuna is being fattened for slaughter. The way to win the presidency is not what Sifuna is doing,” Kuria said, in remarks likely to trigger sharp reactions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ranks.
Kuria further claimed that Gachagua is not interested in mounting a presidential bid in 2027, but is instead backing Kalonzo as part of a broader political understanding involving Uhuru.
“The decided candidate for Gachagua and Uhuru is Kalonzo; it’s already been decided. Gachagua doesn’t want to be president,” he stated.
He went on to assert that the former deputy president is comfortable supporting Kalonzo due to what he described as an existing agreement between them.
“Rigathi Gachagua is comfortable with Kalonzo because they have struck a deal. I know this for a fact,” Kuria added, without providing details of the alleged arrangement.
The claims come at a time when opposition leaders are yet to formally outline their strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election, with internal competition and shifting alliances continuing to shape the political landscape.
Kalonzo has previously declared interest in the presidency, positioning himself as a unifying figure within the opposition.
However, Kuria’s remarks introduce a new dimension, suggesting that key decisions may already be settled behind closed doors.