By Afrireport 
Fresh behind the scenes manoeuvres are reshaping Kenya’s opposition politics as influential regional figures quietly explore ways to recalibrate the country’s power balance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest developments point to renewed efforts aimed at bridging long standing political rifts that have defined recent electoral cycles.
Sources familiar with the discussions say former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has taken an active interest in Kenya’s political trajectory and is pushing for a face to face meeting between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The proposed talks are said to be geared towards forging a broad based and formidable Opposition alliance capable of mounting a serious challenge to President William Ruto’s re election bid.
Obasanjo, a respected elder statesman on the continent, is understood to view Kenya as a key pillar of regional stability and democratic leadership in East Africa.
Insiders say his intervention is motivated by concerns over growing political polarisation and the need for inclusive dialogue among Kenya’s top political actors, both past and present.
His outreach is reportedly discreet, relying on trusted intermediaries and regional networks rather than public declarations.
Uhuru Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua have, in recent months, emerged as influential figures within the Opposition space, albeit from different political backgrounds and constituencies.
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Kenyatta has positioned himself as a statesman advocating for unity, economic justice and institutional reforms, while Gachagua has been consolidating support in parts of the Mt Kenya region following his fallout with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Bringing together Kenyatta’s national and international clout with Gachagua’s grassroots networks could create a potent coalition.
Such an alliance, if successfully structured, would aim to pool resources, harmonise messaging and avoid the fragmentation that has previously weakened opposition campaigns.
However, the path to unity is not without challenges. Historical mistrust, competing ambitions and differing policy priorities are expected to feature prominently in any negotiations.
Some allies of both leaders have privately expressed caution, warning that unity driven purely by electoral calculations may struggle to hold beyond the ballot.
Despite these hurdles, the reported push by Obasanjo underscores the high stakes surrounding the 2027 race.
With political realignments already underway, the coming months are likely to reveal whether these quiet diplomatic efforts will translate into a cohesive Opposition front or remain another unrealised chapter in Kenya’s complex political landscape.
