NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at opposition leaders who accused him of arrogance and political bullying, saying his blunt remarks reflect the urgency of mobilising voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Tuesday, November 3, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said some colleagues interpreted his calls for active campaigning as bullying.
“When I tell some we wake up and work, they say I am bullying them. No!” Gachagua said, adding that he believed he had helped deliver President William Ruto’s 2022 victory through grassroots mobilisation.
He challenged opposition presidential hopefuls to demonstrate their ability to attract support beyond meetings and media appearances, arguing that winning the presidency required leaders to campaign and build a voter base.
“Politics is a game of numbers,” he said, maintaining that the opposition needed to discuss how it would secure enough votes to defeat Ruto.
Dispute over opposition unity
Gachagua’s remarks followed criticism from Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi over his approach to building an opposition alliance.
Matiang’i warned that what he described as “majoritarian arrogance” could divide the opposition, while Muturi said political partnerships should be built on mutual respect and not ultimatums or supremacy contests.
Muturi also argued that no individual or community could claim ownership of the opposition or a monopoly on the presidency.
The disagreement has emerged as opposition leaders weigh possible alliances and the process of selecting a single candidate to challenge Ruto in 2027.
Gachagua has promoted a three-bloc arrangement involving Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya, saying opposition leaders need to assess their electoral strength and organise accordingly.
He said he would support another candidate if he were not chosen, but insisted that the eventual flagbearer should be committed to campaigning and treat fellow leaders with respect.
Gachagua’s response signals growing friction within the opposition, where leaders have publicly called for unity but differ over coalition strategy, regional voting blocs and how the presidential candidate should be selected.
