Speaking in an interview on Monday, February 24, Gachagua revealed that several MPs and Senators have already signaled their intent to defect, pending the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Gachagua’s Strategy: A New Political Force

“Our political party is ready. For strategic reasons, I chose to delay its unveiling until after May. But one key reason is the need to have the IEBC fully constituted,” he stated.

Once the electoral body is in place, lawmakers defecting from UDA will contest fresh by-elections under Gachagua’s party, reshaping Kenya’s opposition landscape ahead of 2027.

Gachagua disclosed that since December, he has been consulting leaders nationwide. Already, 139 MCAs have pledged allegiance to his yet-to-be-named party, waiting for the official IEBC green light to formalize their defection.

Consulting Raila: Learning from the Best?

In a surprising move, Gachagua also revealed plans to consult ODM leader Raila Odinga on party organization.

“I will be going to ODM for benchmarking. I must talk to Raila Odinga about how he crafted his political machine. I have two years to create one,” he said.

Gachagua Regrets Backing Ruto

Looking back, Gachagua expressed deep regret over his alliance with President Ruto, vowing never to enter another political coalition without ironclad agreements.

“One of the burdens I carry, which weighs me down heavily, is how foolish I feel for being deceived by Ruto,” he admitted.

With a new party, a wave of defections, and a clear opposition agenda, Gachagua is positioning himself as a formidable force in Kenyan politics—one that could reshape alliances and challenge Ruto’s grip on power in 2027.

Appeal to Address Youth Concerns

“If we are not careful, all of us will be thrown out by Gen Zs because they say we have come of age. We can’t wish them away. The country is at a crossroads. In order to bring the country to normalcy, can the President order the Inspector General of Police to either retire or remove the police from the streets?” Kalonzo posed. Additionally, he requested the withdrawal of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) from the streets back to the barracks.

Calls for Inclusive Dialogue

At the same forum, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga emphasized the need for dialogue involving all stakeholders to resolve the country’s crisis. “As Kalonzo said, we are at a crossroads as a country. A time like this requires leadership for the country to move forward. If the NADCO report is implemented fully, it will solve the issues raised by these young people. We are at a very crucial juncture in the history of our country. We require a wider engagement. Let’s bring all stakeholders together,” Raila said.

Youth Engagement in Dialogue

Raila highlighted the demographic significance, stating, “Today our society is fairly stratified. 70 percent of our population is below the age of 35. If those between the ages of 18 and 35 constitute 40 percent of our population, let’s have those 40 percent in the dialogue and the rest. Let’s talk about the Kenya we want. Out of that, we’ll come up with recommendations that will help us resolve these issues once and for all.”

Deputy President’s Call for Peace

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also called on young people to give dialogue a chance. “Now that the president has accepted to have a discussion with the young people of Kenya and all leaders, we call upon the people of Kenya to give dialogue a chance. Get off the streets and stay away from the destruction of property because Kenya is greater than all of us,” Gachagua said.

The project’s goal is to transform transportation by offering accessible, affordable, and reliable options for thousands of Kenyans.

Ruto highlighted the importance of efficient transport, stating, “Expanding the Nairobi Commuter Railway Services will provide Kenyans with a convenient, affordable, and reliable way to commute, connecting them to work and economic opportunities.”

Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen explained the project’s scale, anticipating that the Riruta-Ngong railway line will transport 10,000 Kenyans daily upon completion. He emphasized financial benefits for residents along the route, foreseeing potential savings of up to 50 percent in transport budgets.

Murkomen also discussed extending the line into Kiserian and back to Nairobi through Ongata Rongai, aligning with the broader vision in the Nairobi Masterplan to enhance transportation in the metropolitan area.

The project is expected to create job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, particularly benefiting the youth.

Despite these positive developments, lawyer Donald Kipkorir expressed concerns about the impact on Nairobi’s aesthetics, cautioning against turning upscale neighborhoods like Karen into bustling markets. He questioned the planners’ decisions, emphasizing the importance of proper planning for a livable city.

In a statement, Kipkorir noted, “Turning Karen into a market could jeopardize Nairobi’s appeal as a well-planned and serene city. The ongoing rail projects, part of President Ruto’s commitment to modernize Kenya’s transport infrastructure, aim to enhance economic opportunities while addressing concerns about balanced urban development.”