NAIROBI, Kenya- DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua has fired back at accusations that he is politically bullying fellow opposition leaders, declaring that the real contest will be decided at the ballot in the 2027 General Election.
He was speaking when he welcomed former Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia to DCP, after ditching the Jubilee Party.
“Don’t say you are being bullied. We will bully on the ballot,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president has been under pressure from some leaders in the United Opposition, who have accused him of arrogance, issuing ultimatums and seeking to dominate negotiations over a joint presidential ticket.
But Gachagua has maintained that his blunt political language should not be mistaken for intimidation, arguing that presidential hopefuls must demonstrate their strength on the ground rather than rely on closed-door meetings, media appearances and declarations of ambition.
His latest remarks sharpen the growing debate over how the opposition should organise itself ahead of the 2027 contest against President William Ruto.
‘Votes are looked for’
Gachagua has repeatedly argued that the opposition cannot defeat a sitting president without a serious grassroots campaign, voter registration drive and a clear plan to deliver numbers across the country.
He has challenged fellow leaders seeking the opposition ticket to show their ability to organise rallies, build local structures and persuade voters before expecting support from other coalition partners.
The DCP leader says his party continued with grassroots activities while he was on a recent trip to the United States, citing more than 20 rallies organised by young party leaders.
He has set a target of 18 million votes for the opposition, saying the numbers cannot be secured in hotel boardrooms, press conferences or television studios.
Gachagua’s position is that political ambition must be matched by mobilisation capacity, especially in an election where the opposition is seeking to unseat an incumbent president.
He has also argued that discussions around numbers are unavoidable in presidential politics, insisting that every aspirant must prove they can attract support beyond speeches, policy proposals and elite political meetings.
Muturi, Matiang’i push back
The comments follow criticism from Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi, who warned that political partnerships should be built on mutual respect rather than ultimatums, supremacy contests or what he termed political bullying.
Muturi has questioned whether Gachagua’s push for a tripartite political arrangement involving Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya would strengthen the opposition or create new divisions.
He has argued that no single individual or community owns the opposition’s presidential ambition and that a winning coalition must bring together diverse regions and interests.
Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has also criticised Gachagua’s numerical approach, warning that majoritarian politics could fracture the opposition at a time when unity is needed most.
Gachagua, however, has dismissed the criticism, saying he is being accused of bullying simply because he is candid about the work required to win an election.
He insists that his call for leaders to get out and campaign is intended to make the opposition more competitive, not to undermine fellow aspirants.
Single-ticket pledge remains
Despite the sharp exchanges, Gachagua has maintained that he supports the plan to field one presidential candidate against President Ruto in 2027.
He has said he is prepared to back a candidate agreed upon by the opposition, provided that person respects coalition partners and demonstrates commitment to hard work and voter mobilisation.
The DCP leader has also made clear that he wants his party to win more parliamentary and county seats, arguing that a strong presence in the National Assembly, Senate and county governments would help advance its agenda.
