NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged opposition political parties to intensify grassroots mobilisation while defending the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)’s recruitment campaign, insisting that he has never called on leaders to dissolve their political outfits.
Speaking during a meeting with delegates from Mathioya and Kangema constituencies on Wednesday, Gachagua said each political party should focus on strengthening its support base while working with like-minded parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He dismissed claims that he was pressuring politicians to abandon their parties in favour of DCP, saying his objective is to expand his party’s membership while allowing coalition partners to build their own organisations.
“I have never said that anyone should dissolve their political party. I am saying people should join DCP. I hold meetings every day,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President attributed DCP’s rapid growth to sustained grassroots engagement by the party’s leadership.
“DCP has become popular because Riggy G and his team are working hard,” he said, referring to himself by his nickname.
Calls for Grassroots Mobilisation
Gachagua challenged leaders allied to the opposition to spend more time engaging voters at the grassroots instead of relying on media appearances to promote their parties.
He argued that political success depends on consistent mobilisation and direct engagement with supporters.
“When I hold a meeting and leave, you should come after me and market your own party. Let everyone sell their own party instead of only complaining at press conferences,” he said.
The remarks come a day after leaders of the Party of National Unity (PNU), Democratic Party (DP) and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) publicly rejected calls to dissolve their parties and merge with DCP, insisting they would retain their political identities while cooperating within the opposition.
Criticism Over Ol Kalou By-Election
Gachagua also took aim at PNU leader Peter Munya, questioning the party’s performance in the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
He argued that poor electoral results reflected inadequate grassroots campaigns.
“You, Munya, and PNU did not campaign in Ol Kalou. You got 28 votes. If you don’t campaign, how do you expect to get votes?” Gachagua posed.
Push for Opposition Unity
Despite defending DCP’s recruitment efforts, Gachagua reiterated his support for cooperation among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said political parties should remain free to compete for parliamentary, gubernatorial and county positions while working together to field a common presidential candidate.
His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to reorganise political alliances and strengthen their structures as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
