Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has quietly returned to Kenya after an extended stay in the United States, with his presence becoming public after photos emerged of him hosting opposition leaders at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Mashujaa Day.

The meeting brought together Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, nominated Senator Crystal Asige, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.

The gathering comes as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, raising questions about possible alliances among opposition figures seeking to challenge President William Ruto.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), returned to his Wamunyoro home after a trip to the US that began on August 26.

His visit was extended to accommodate engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora and political outreach across several states, including Spokane, Portland, Kansas, Dallas and Boston.

His return was low-key, with no publicly announced arrival date.

In a social media post welcoming the delegation, Gachagua referred to the leaders as his “cousins from Linda Mwananchi”, a movement associated with opposition mobilisation.

“When we come together, great things must happen,” he said, fuelling speculation about possible cooperation between his party and the movement.

The meeting comes amid growing calls for opposition unity, with leaders facing the challenge of building a formidable political front ahead of the next General Election.

Sifuna and Owino have emerged as prominent figures in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been mobilising supporters amid shifting political dynamics and internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Gachagua has repeatedly urged opposition leaders to unite, warning that internal divisions would weaken their ability to challenge the current administration.

His Wamunyoro residence has increasingly become a venue for political consultations, attracting leaders from different parts of the country as he seeks to expand DCP’s influence beyond its Mount Kenya stronghold.

The Mashujaa Day meeting offered a glimpse into the evolving relationships among opposition leaders as political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls gather pace.