Rude awakening: Gachagua, Kalonzo team humbled in the 2027 election test run

Opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka were dealt a major political blow after their emerging coalition suffered a clean-sweep defeat in all seven parliamentary by-elections.

The United Opposition team only managed to secure a few ward seats.

The results, released late Thursday, delivered a stinging reality check to the duo, who have been positioning themselves as President William Ruto’s primary challengers ahead of the high-stakes 2027 General Election.

Despite weeks of coordinated rallies, joint appearances, and high-profile endorsements, their candidates lost in Mbeere North, Magarini, Malava, Kasipul, Ugunja and Banisa constituencies. Ruto’s party also clinched the Baringo Senate seat with a landslide.

From the results, Ruto’s broad-based government swept all major seats, giving his formation fresh momentum heading to 2027.

Gachagua’s DCP won Kisa East (Khwisero), Narok Town and Kariobangi North, while Wiper bagged Mumbuni North ward in Machakos county. The United Opposition also secured all three wards in Nyamira county — Ekerenyo (UPA), Nyamaiya (UPA) and Nyansiongo (PDP).

The broad-based team captured all the remaining ward seats.

The Gachagua team had billed Mbeere North, Malava and Magarini as early tests for their resolve to “send Ruto home in 2027.”

Insiders described the outcome as a rude awakening, with senior strategists privately admitting the coalition had overestimated its grassroots machinery and underestimated the incumbent’s influence.