NAIROBI, Kenya- DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has projected that a united opposition could secure 2.5 million votes in Nairobi in the 2027 General Election following major political rallies in the capital and Mt Kenya.
Speaking from the United States, Gachagua said he had closely followed Sunday’s political activities, including the Linda Mwananchi procession across Nairobi and DCP rallies in Othaya and Mathioya.
“I was following what was happening earlier in the day on Sunday. Things are very good. They are boiling very nicely,” Gachagua said.
The Linda Mwananchi team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, began the day with a service at All Saints Cathedral.
The leaders later moved through parts of the city, including Gikomba, Marikiti, Jogoo Road and Eastlands, before arriving at Jacaranda Grounds for a political rally.
Thousands of supporters accompanied the leaders during sections of the procession, chanting political slogans, including “Wantam,” which is being used by opposition groups to advocate a one-term presidency for President William Ruto.
Gachagua described the Jacaranda meeting as one of the biggest political rallies held in Nairobi.
He argued that an alliance bringing together his supporters, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Sifuna and Babu could dominate the capital’s politics in 2027.
“The city of Nairobi has 2.7 million voters. Between myself, my cousin Kalonzo Musyoka, Sifuna and Babu Owino, Nairobi is locked,” he said.
“We will be able to get 2.5 million votes. Nairobi is locked. UDA and ODM will not get a single seat in the city of Nairobi.”
Gachagua’s projection is a political target rather than an opinion poll or confirmed voting pattern. According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Nairobi had about 2.42 million registered voters during the 2022 General Election.
Raila Odinga received 760,506 presidential votes in Nairobi in that election, while Ruto secured 560,293. The electoral commission has since conducted voter registration ahead of the 2027 polls.
During the Jacaranda rally, opposition leaders called for unity and promised to hold consultations aimed at producing one presidential candidate to face Ruto.
Sifuna and Orengo said talks would be held to manage their presidential ambitions and prevent divisions within the emerging opposition coalition.
DCP rallies in Othaya and Mathioya
As the Linda Mwananchi team mobilised supporters in Nairobi, DCP Secretary-General designate and Nyandarua Senator John Methu led the party’s rallies in Othaya, Nyeri County, and Kiriaini in Mathioya Constituency, Murang’a County.
The DCP delegation first attended a service at ACK Witima Church before addressing residents in Othaya town. It later travelled to Kiriaini for another public meeting.
Gachagua said the two rallies attracted thousands of residents who also chanted the one-term slogan.
“When Sifuna and the team were in Nairobi, the DCP brigade led by John Methu was in Othaya, the land of Mwai Kibaki, and Mathioya in Murang’a, with thousands of Kenyans again chanting one term,” he said.
The parallel events allowed different opposition groups to mobilise simultaneously in Nairobi and Mt Kenya as they intensify preparations for the next election.
Gachagua assured supporters that opposition leaders would eventually agree on a single presidential candidate despite the number of politicians who have expressed interest in challenging Ruto.
“I want to assure you there will be change, and good change in Kenya,” he said. “And be worried—we shall agree on one presidential candidate.”
No formal coalition agreement or process for choosing the joint candidate has been announced.
However, opposition leaders have repeatedly said unity will be necessary to avoid splitting votes in the contest against Ruto.
