NAIROBI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has ruled out immediate coalition talks ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying political parties must first strengthen their grassroots support and consolidate their own votes before settling on a presidential candidate.
Speaking during a political engagement, Gachagua said DCP’s immediate focus was building its support base and organising structures across the country.
“For us as DCP, our first mission is to consolidate,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President said parties should not rush into forming coalitions or selecting a presidential flagbearer before establishing their electoral strength.
“About coalitions for now it is a big no. You cannot be a President before you consolidate your votes,” he said.
Gachagua said the process of identifying a presidential candidate should come after parties have built a strong political foundation.
“How do you decide a candidate before you consolidate? Yet that will be a factor,” he stated.
He cited former President Mwai Kibaki’s 2002 presidential nomination, saying Kibaki was named the opposition candidate shortly before the election.
“Mwai Kibaki was named presidential candidate 73 days apart,” he said.
The DCP leader also encouraged political actors to focus on marketing their parties and expanding their influence rather than concentrating on coalition arrangements.
“Everyone should sell their party. There is no problem,” he said.
Gachagua said he had advised other political leaders, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, to focus on strengthening their own political bases.
“I was with Sifuna the other day and I asked him to go and consolidate,” he said.
The remarks come as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with discussions ongoing around possible alliances and presidential contenders.
Just yesterday, three opposition leaders led by DP’s Justin Muturi, Peter Munya of PNU and Lenny Kivuti rejected alleged calls to merge their parties and join DCP.
