KAJIADO, Kenya- DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that the opposition is falling apart, insisting its leaders remain united in the push to field one presidential candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Isinya, Kajiado County, Gachagua said internal disagreements should not be mistaken for a collapse of the wider opposition movement.
He maintained that leaders would continue consulting and make the necessary compromises to settle on a single candidate for the presidency.
“The opposition is united,” Gachagua said, arguing that political differences among leaders should not distract from the shared goal of building a formidable alternative to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua defends three-bloc plan
The DCP leader used the church address to defend his controversial proposal for political blocs in Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya.
The plan has been criticised by some opposition leaders, including Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, who has warned against reducing the contest for State House to ethnic or regional arithmetic.
Gachagua, however, rejected accusations that he was being arrogant or attempting to bully other leaders out of the opposition arrangement.
“Some of my friends think that I am arrogant for being truthful. I am not arrogant. I am just truthful,” he said.
“When I tell some we wake up and work, they say I am bullying them. No!”
Gachagua has argued that any leader seeking to influence the final opposition arrangement must demonstrate grassroots support and the ability to mobilise votes.
His proposal has created a visible split in approach among opposition principals, with some leaders calling for a broader, more inclusive coalition-building process before the flagbearer question is settled.
Single candidate pledge remains
Despite the differences, Gachagua said the commitment to identify one opposition presidential candidate remains firm.
The DCP leader has previously said he would support whoever is chosen through an agreed process, even if he is not the eventual candidate.
His remarks came hours after he held an early-Sunday meeting with Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, in a show of renewed engagement after days of public tension.
The oppostion leaders have been at the centre of talks on opposition unity, although no formal coalition agreement or process for choosing a flagbearer has been announced.
Matiang’i later said opposition principals would put Kenya first, while Kalonzo also said the leaders remained together.
Gachagua’s appearance in Isinya came ahead of the Ukombozi Rally in Kitengela, where Kalonzo, Democratic Action Party of Kenya Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Linda Mwananchi Movement Leader Edwin Sifuna were expected to join him.
The leaders face the difficult task of balancing individual presidential ambitions, regional interests and party identities while presenting a credible national campaign.
