Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has called on opposition principals to restrain their supporters and avoid giving conditions in the quest to pick a single candidate to unseat President William Ruto. He emphasized that such conditions may complicate the equation and hinted at a possible opposition principal ditching their camp ahead of the 2027 General Election. Gachagua made these remarks in an interview with KTN on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Gachagua expressed concerns that not everyone chanting the "wantam" slogan in the opposition genuinely supports their stance, suggesting that some may be sponsored by Ruto to divide the opposition vote to his advantage. He proposed that the opposition should name their single candidate at least five months before the General Election, citing the 2002 election where former President Mwai Kibaki was named close to the election date and still won with a landslide.
The DCP leader affirmed that the united opposition will not handpick a presidential candidate, stating that their formula remains a secret weapon to be unleashed at the right time. He urged Kenyans to be patient, adding that Ruto is not happy that they have not named a candidate. Gachagua accused Ruto of being a vicious person who harasses his opponents and vowed that they will not give him the opportunity to interfere with their plan.
Gachagua defended his decision to hold meetings in Wamunyoro, describing it as a political shrine where discussions are aimed at crafting a winning strategy to liberate Kenya and form the sixth administration. He emphasized that Kenyans are eager for the opposition to agree on a single candidate, and that their supporters will reject any candidate not ready to support others.
Gachagua warned rival camps against threatening to vote for Ruto if their candidate is not picked, stating that his supporters will be uncomfortable allowing him to support someone who has made such threats. He added that supporters want to know that their leaders are willing to support each other, citing his previous remarks about supporting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The DCP leader praised the Linda Mwananchi team, led by Sifuna, for their resolve to make Ruto a one-term President, citing their firm messaging, energy, and mobilization power. He expressed confidence that joint mobilization efforts will boost voter turnout and unite the opposition.
Gachagua concluded by urging his colleagues to be categorical in their messaging to restrain their supporters, rather than calling them to meetings to tell them not to talk loosely. He emphasized that his supporters have been clear in their messaging, and that they will not support a candidate who has been making threats against other leaders' supporters.
Key points
- Gachagua warns against Ruto's harassment of opposition candidates.
- Opposition leaders must unite to unseat President Ruto.
- Gachagua proposes naming a single candidate at least five months before the General Election.
