Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed concerns over the commitment of some opposition leaders to back a single presidential candidate in the upcoming General Election. Speaking to Kenyans living in Dallas, Texas, Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), stated that several opposition leaders had yet to make a clear pledge to support whoever emerges as the joint opposition candidate. He emphasized that he, personally, would support the chosen candidate if he is not selected. Gachagua's comments come as the country prepares for the next General Election.
Gachagua challenged other presidential aspirants to make a similar declaration and give their supporters clear direction. He stressed that a public commitment would hold leaders accountable if they later abandoned the agreement. The DCP leader expressed doubt over the commitment of some opposition leaders, describing them as "slippery." He urged aspiring leaders to discourage their supporters from making statements that could undermine the unity of the opposition. Such statements, he argued, cast doubt on the sincerity of those pushing for a united opposition.
The DCP leader criticized remarks by supporters of some opposition politicians suggesting they would back President William Ruto if their preferred candidate lost out on the opposition ticket. Gachagua argued that such statements are retrogressive and undermine the goal of a united opposition. He emphasized that his own supporters had not made similar conditional statements and called on his colleagues in the united opposition to give their supporters clear direction. Gachagua's comments reflect his efforts to promote unity within the opposition.
Gachagua expressed confidence in the country's election procedures, ruling out vote manipulation under the current system. He contrasted the present arrangement with the previous one, when officials transported ballots from polling stations to county headquarters for counting. According to Gachagua, the current system, which involves counting votes at polling stations, makes manipulation harder. He cited a landmark ruling that results at the constituency level are final and cannot be changed.
The Supreme Court's 2013 pronouncement that polling station results are final was also mentioned by Gachagua. He emphasized that courts have settled the finality of results declared at different electoral levels. Gachagua's comments reflect his trust in the current electoral system. The issue of election integrity is crucial in the run-up to the General Election.
Gachagua's call for opposition leaders to commit to a single presidential candidate is significant. He emphasized that such a commitment would promote unity within the opposition and give supporters clear direction. The DCP leader's comments come as the opposition seeks to present a united front against President William Ruto. Gachagua's efforts to promote unity within the opposition are ongoing.
The reaction of other opposition leaders to Gachagua's comments remains to be seen. The issue of a single presidential candidate is crucial in the run-up to the General Election. Gachagua's comments reflect his efforts to promote unity within the opposition and ensure a smooth transition.
Key points
- Gachagua accuses opposition leaders of being "slippery" over unity deal.
- The DCP leader expresses confidence in the country's election procedures.
- Gachagua challenges opposition leaders to commit to a single presidential candidate.
