DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has challenged opposition presidential hopefuls to intensify grassroots campaigns.
The DCP leader defends his criticism of opposition presidential hopefuls and insists they must build grassroots support before seeking his backing.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has rejected bullying claims from within the United Opposition. He argued that some colleagues mistake his frank criticism for arrogance.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence on November 3, Gachagua challenged opposition presidential hopefuls to step up grassroots campaigns. He said they should not rely on boardroom meetings while waiting for the coalition to choose its candidate.
His response followed criticism from former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, who accused him of political bullying and double-speak. Muturi also accused the former deputy president of undermining the opposition movement through his conduct.
Bullying claims deepen debate over grassroots campaigns
Muturi’s criticism followed Gachagua’s remarks at the Friday launch of the Linda Mwananchi party. Gachagua later repeated his position during a Sunday night interview with Inooro TV.
In those remarks, he challenged presidential aspirants to demonstrate their support through active mobilisation rather than high-end hotel meetings. However, Gachagua maintained that his colleagues had wrongly interpreted that challenge as bullying.
He also contrasted DCP’s campaign activity with the approach of other opposition leaders seeking the presidency. Gachagua said youthful party officials, including John Methu, had led 27 rallies since his US tour.
During the same period, he claimed, some rival aspirants had limited their political activities to boardroom meetings. He argued that this approach was unfair while DCP’s younger leaders continued organising grassroots events.
Gachagua resists early choice of opposition candidate
Despite calls for opposition unity, Gachagua said he would not mobilise Mt Kenya voters behind an inactive presidential hopeful. He insisted that anyone seeking his support must conduct grassroots campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Meanwhile, the former deputy president maintained that he remained a strong contender for the presidency despite his impeachment. He continues to describe that impeachment as illegal.
Gachagua nevertheless rejected claims of an opposition split, including disagreements linked to the timing of its presidential candidate announcement. At the party launch, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the coalition would likely name one flagbearer on November 13.
However, Gachagua opposed an early announcement, arguing that it would expose the opposition’s strategy. He warned that doing so would make President William Ruto’s re-election bid easier.
