Gachagua-Uhuru Handshake Looms As Details Emerge How Kalonzo & Obasanjo Blockered Deal Last Month

Speculation is growing in Kenya about a possible handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

This could be a key move to bring opposition leaders together against President William Ruto before the 2027 elections.

Reports say former Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka may have started talks for the meeting during a trip to Nigeria. Uhuru and Kalonzo met former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

They visited the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library and held meetings in Lagos and Abuja. Some believe Obasanjo could have advised or helped mediate the deal.

The handshake is expected to happen soon, but insiders suggest Kalonzo may have complicated the plan. 

The United Opposition coalition includes Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party, Kalonzo's Wiper Patriotic Front, and allies like Fred Matiang'i. There are tensions over strategy and leadership. 

Gachagua wants bold moves, while Kalonzo favors a cautious approach and may want to be the 2027 candidate.

Cracks appeared publicly in January 2026. Gachagua and Kalonzo disagreed on when to announce a joint presidential candidate. Kalonzo reportedly wanted an early announcement. 

Some think he may have slowed the Uhuru-Gachagua handshake to protect his influence in Mount Kenya and in coalition talks.

Gachagua has remained critical of Ruto. He has accused the President of using goons to disrupt opposition events. He claims his security was withdrawn and that Ruto’s team sent spies into the opposition. 

Incidents like teargassing in Gilgil and disruptions at rallies in Mathioya, Murang'a, and Narok highlight ongoing clashes.

The opposition wants to unite to remove Ruto in 2027. Joint events have shown collective strength, despite differences. A handshake between Uhuru and Gachagua could heal rifts from the Kenya Kwanza fallout. It could also rally Mount Kenya voters to the opposition.

However, Kalonzo’s reported involvement in Nigeria and alleged blocking of talks makes the deal uncertain. Ego clashes and competing ambitions continue to affect opposition strategy.

If the handshake happens, it could reshape Kenyan politics. If it fails, divisions could deepen ahead of the 2027 elections. The country watches closely for signs of unity or further conflict.