Speaking on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Kisa East, Kakamega County, during the start of his three-day tour of Western Kenya, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the opposition was working towards consolidating at least 20 million votes from various regions to challenge the incumbent president.
His remarks come amid growing efforts by opposition leaders to forge a united front ahead of the 2027 polls, even as questions remain over who will eventually fly the coalition’s presidential flag.
Gachagua revealed that he plans to spend 45 days at his Wamunyoro residence consulting with political allies and opposition principals on the coalition’s strategy and choice of flagbearer.
The former Deputy President expressed confidence that the opposition already has a strong numerical advantage if key voting blocs remain united.
“Back home, I have consolidated seven million votes. In Nairobi, we have consolidated three million votes. We want the Mulembe nation to consolidate five million votes, and then join them with Kalonzo’s three and a half million votes,” Gachagua said.
Since his fallout with President Ruto and subsequent exit from the Kenya Kwanza administration, Gachagua has repeatedly maintained that the ruling coalition has lost significant support in the Mt Kenya region.
On several occasions, he has argued that President Ruto would struggle to secure meaningful support in the region during the next election cycle.
Speaking in Kirinyaga County in March 2026, Gachagua challenged the President directly, insisting that the Head of State would not command significant backing in Mt Kenya.
“Nataka nikwaambie William Ruto, mimi Riggy G nikiwa nyumbani hapa Kirinyaga, nikiwa mtoto ya Mau Mau, nakwambia leo mchana, ukipata five per cent ya kura hapa mlimani, Riggy G hapana mwanaume,” he declared.
As political realignments continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 election, opposition leaders have intensified efforts to build momentum around a common agenda aimed at unseating President Ruto.
During the same tour, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa said preparations for the next general election were already underway.
“August 10 will be exactly one year to the elections,” Wamalwa told residents.
Meanwhile, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala warned that the opposition could organise demonstrations on June 25, 2026, if families of those who died during the 2024 anti-government protests have not been compensated.
Malala also reaffirmed his intention to contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027, seeking to unseat incumbent Governor Ferdinand Barasa.
“In 2022, you gave me a lot of votes. I will vie again for the Kakamega governor’s seat. Give me your support,” he said.
The former Kakamega Senator further argued that a lack of political unity within the Western region has historically limited its influence in national politics and development discussions.
With just over a year remaining before the next general election, both the government and opposition are expected to intensify political activities as they seek to consolidate support across the country.
