NAIROBI, Kenya – Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has pushed back against claims that some opposition figures can mobilise voters but lack the qualities needed to lead the country, arguing that winning the presidency begins with building support at the ballot.
Speaking on KTN, the former Deputy President defended voter mobilisation as a central requirement for anyone seeking the country’s top office, insisting that no candidate can become President without convincing Kenyans to vote for them.
His remarks appear to respond to a debate within opposition ranks over the difference between leaders who can rally large crowds and those considered capable of governing. Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni has previously argued that some politicians can mobilise votes but may not be trusted to lead the country.
“I want to tell that fellow that, for you to become President, you must be voted in. You must mobilise voters. How else can you become President? Nobody can appoint you to that position from the comfort of their home. A President must be elected by the people,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua Says Mobilisation Cannot Be Separated From Electability
Gachagua argued that political mobilisation is not a secondary skill that can be separated from a candidate’s ability to win an election.
His position comes as opposition leaders negotiate how to select a joint presidential candidate ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with competing ambitions and the need to consolidate votes across different regions complicating the process.
The DCP leader has previously maintained that opposition principals should first mobilise support in their respective strongholds before settling on a joint flagbearer.
He has also said he is willing to support another candidate if the opposition agrees on a different nominee, although he has continued to position himself as a presidential contender.
Gachagua Calls for Clear Commitment to Opposition Unity
During the KTN interview, Gachagua also challenged political aspirants to state openly that they would support the eventual opposition nominee if they failed to secure the ticket.
He warned that silence from unsuccessful aspirants could leave room for their supporters to shift their votes to President William Ruto instead of backing the opposition’s eventual candidate.
“You must publicly commit that, if you are not the one chosen, you are willing to support another candidate. I cannot accept a situation where your supporters say that if it is not so-and-so, they will vote for Ruto. That only happens because you remain silent,” he said.
His remarks highlight a key challenge facing opposition leaders: persuading individual candidates and their supporters to accept a common presidential ticket while maintaining their own political ambitions.
