Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has turned President William Ruto’s buffalo milk proposal into a political joke, claiming he had sent young men to Hombe Forest to look for milk for visitors expected at his Wamunyoro residence. However, behind the humour lies a broader political message, as Gachagua signals his willingness to work with other opposition figures, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Highlights
- Gachagua mocked Ruto’s suggestion to explore buffalo milk as an alternative dairy source.
- The former Deputy President joked about sourcing milk from Hombe Forest for visitors at his Wamunyoro home.
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi visited Gachagua.
- Gachagua expressed openness to negotiations over a possible joint opposition presidential candidate.
- He outlined plans to expand his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), targeting more than 100 MPs.
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Gachagua Turns Buffalo Milk Proposal Into Political Punchline
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a humorous swipe at President William Ruto following his suggestion that Kenyans explore buffalo milk as an alternative source of dairy amid supply challenges linked to drought.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua joked that he had dispatched young men to nearby Hombe Forest to find out whether they could obtain buffalo milk for the political leaders expected to visit him.
The remark offered a light-hearted response to the President’s proposal while keeping the debate over Kenya’s dairy supply in the political spotlight.
Ruto made the suggestion on October 8, 2026, during the Agriculture and Food Security Transformation Summit held at the Jamhuri Park ASK Showground in Nairobi.
The President called for the country to consider diversifying its milk sources as it confronts challenges affecting dairy production and supply.
Gachagua, who recently returned to Kenya following an extended tour of the United States, used the proposal to poke fun at the President while discussing preparations for his expected guests.
Sifuna’s Visit Sparks Fresh Opposition Alliance Talks
Beyond the buffalo milk remarks, Gachagua signalled that he was ready to re-engage in active politics and work with leaders seeking to challenge Ruto in the 2027 elections.
His comments came a day after leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, visited him at Wamunyoro.
The meeting took place amid ongoing discussions among opposition figures about potential partnerships and the possibility of presenting a united political front.
Gachagua said he had returned to the country partly because of calls to revive political activity and strengthen cooperation among leaders.
He also indicated that he was open to engaging with leaders from different political backgrounds, provided the discussions allowed the parties involved to reach a common understanding.
The former Deputy President portrayed the visit as an opportunity to explore shared political interests and possible cooperation ahead of the next General Election.
Gachagua Mentions Sifuna and Kalonzo as Possible Presidential Candidates
One of the key issues raised by Gachagua was the possibility of opposition leaders agreeing on a single presidential candidate.
He mentioned himself, Kalonzo Musyoka and Edwin Sifuna as potential figures who could emerge from negotiations aimed at building a joint ticket.
His remarks point to an openness to discussions, although they do not establish that the leaders have reached an agreement on a coalition or presidential candidate.
Bringing different political groups together could require negotiations over leadership, party interests and how a shared campaign would be organised.
Gachagua said he was prepared to engage with other leaders as part of efforts to build a political alternative to Ruto’s administration.
DCP Targets More Than 100 MPs
Gachagua also outlined his ambitions for the Democracy for the Citizens Party, saying he wanted to expand its parliamentary representation and strengthen its political influence.
Among his stated goals is securing more than 100 seats in the National Assembly, a target that would require substantial electoral support across constituencies.
He also spoke about protecting the interests of his supporters and addressing what he described as negative labels directed at his political constituency.
The DCP’s growth remains a separate priority alongside the wider conversations about opposition cooperation.
Whether the party will eventually participate in a broader alliance, and under what arrangements, remains an issue for future negotiations.
More Political Leaders Expected at Wamunyoro
Gachagua suggested that additional leaders were interested in visiting his residence, returning once again to the buffalo milk joke as he spoke about hosting them.
The comments combined political humour with an indication that he intends to remain involved in discussions about the country’s political future.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the conversations at Wamunyoro could form part of wider efforts by political figures to assess possible partnerships.
For now, however, no final decision on a joint opposition candidate has been announced in the statements provided.
Gachagua’s remarks leave two issues in focus: his plans to strengthen DCP and the possibility of cooperation with other opposition leaders.
As opposition leaders explore possible partnerships, the real test will be whether their discussions can produce a workable agreement before the 2027 elections or whether individual political ambitions will take priority.
