Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on opposition leaders to control their supporters who are threatening to back President William Ruto if their preferred candidate does not secure the opposition's presidential ticket in the 2027 General Election. Speaking to Kenyans in Dallas, US, Gachagua stated that such threats undermine efforts to build a united opposition. He emphasized the need for opposition leaders to publicly commit to supporting the coalition's flagbearer, regardless of individual ambitions.
Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), criticized supporters who insist that their preferred candidate must be the opposition's nominee. He warned that such positions raise questions about their commitment to a united opposition. Gachagua argued that those making such threats are not genuinely committed to the idea of a single opposition presidential candidate. He urged leaders to issue clear directions to their supporters and publicly declare their willingness to rally behind the chosen flagbearer.
The DCP leader, who has declared interest in the 2027 presidential race, stated that he is prepared to support another candidate if he fails to secure the opposition ticket. Gachagua emphasized that he will support whoever is picked as the opposition flagbearer unconditionally. He challenged other opposition leaders to make similar public commitments, saying this would help build trust among supporters and demonstrate their determination to challenge Ruto as a united front.
Gachagua stressed that it is not enough for leaders to simply promise to support a joint candidate without explicitly stating that they will back another contender if they fail to secure the nomination. He argued that leaders should publicly declare their commitment to supporting the chosen flagbearer, adding that this would help build trust and ensure accountability.
The former Deputy President expressed doubts over whether some opposition leaders are fully committed to the unity push. He noted that some leaders have yet to demonstrate sufficient commitment, and their actions raise questions about their willingness to honour an eventual agreement. Gachagua emphasized that all opposition leaders must give a clear commitment to supporting the chosen flagbearer.
Gachagua's call for unity comes as opposition leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election. He argued that a united opposition is crucial to challenging President Ruto's administration. Gachagua's statements reflect his efforts to position himself as a key player in the opposition, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The DCP leader concluded by emphasizing the need for opposition leaders to prioritize unity and demonstrate their commitment to challenging Ruto's administration. He reiterated his willingness to support another candidate if he fails to secure the opposition ticket, calling on other leaders to make similar commitments.
Key points
- Gachagua challenges opposition leaders to control supporters threatening to back President Ruto.
- He urges leaders to publicly commit to supporting the opposition's flagbearer.
- Gachagua is prepared to support another candidate if he fails to secure the opposition ticket.
