Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has stepped up his bid to lead Kenya’s opposition into the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he has the numbers and political base required to defeat President William Ruto.
Speaking in Kiambu County on Friday, the former deputy president presented himself as the strongest candidate within the emerging opposition alliance, arguing that his support extends beyond his traditional Mt Kenya base.
Mr Gachagua was addressing supporters during the opening of DCP offices in Kiambu, where he made his clearest declaration yet of his intention to seek the presidency.
He claimed he could command about seven million votes from only five counties, with the potential support from Murang’a yet to be factored into his calculation.
“Niko tayari na kura milioni 7 kutoka kwa kaunti 5 pekee ikiwemo Kakamega... na sijaongeza Murang'a... ni mimi naweza Kasongo,” Mr Gachagua said, referring to President Ruto.
He then asked supporters whether they believed he was sufficiently popular to become Kenya’s next president, drawing an enthusiastic response from the gathering.
The declaration marks a significant escalation in the political contest within the opposition, where several leaders have been pushing for a single candidate to challenge Dr Ruto.
Mr Gachagua's allies immediately endorsed his claim, with DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala proposing a joint presidential ticket involving himself and Mr Gachagua.
“Sisi tumeona Rigathi tosha kuwa rais… na ticket ni Riggy G na Sifuna… mimi naenda kuleta Sifuna aungane na Riggy G,” Malala said.
The remarks appeared to put pressure on other opposition leaders who have been positioning themselves as potential contenders for the 2027 race.
Gachagua's allies also issued a warning to parties within the opposition coalition, accusing some leaders of attempting to undermine the former deputy president's influence.
Acting DCP Secretary-General John Methu said the party would not tolerate what he described as betrayal by politicians who were part of the opposition arrangement.
“Hii watu yote wanataka kusaliti jamii nikisema fagia mna fagia,” Mr Methu said.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa similarly accused unnamed opposition leaders of playing political games.
“Wale watu tuko nao United Opposition wameanza kuleta mchezo,” he said.
The sharpest warning came from Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who appeared to direct his criticism at former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i over his alleged failure to defend Mr Gachagua.
“Wewe Matiang'i unawacha Kibagendi na Onyonka wadharau Riggy G... hiyo inaamanisha umenunuliwa na Kasongo... we are ready to cut ties,” Mr Nyutu said.
The threats signal growing unease within the opposition coalition as parties attempt to negotiate a common strategy against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mr Gachagua has in recent months intensified his mobilisation efforts, particularly in Mt Kenya, while simultaneously seeking to build alliances outside the region. His latest remarks suggest that he intends to enter any opposition negotiations from a position of strength rather than merely seeking a place in a coalition ticket.
His allies have also increasingly framed the 2027 contest as a direct battle between the opposition and President Ruto, rather than a collection of separate presidential campaigns.
Beyond electoral politics, Mr Gachagua used the Kiambu meeting to appeal to civil servants and security officers who he claimed were providing information to the opposition.
He promised that those sharing information with his political camp would have their identities protected.
“We will protect you and we have a way of keeping information safe like the Mau Mau era,” Mr Gachagua said.
The former deputy president's remarks were echoed by former Ndaragwa MP Kanini Kega, who challenged the police to focus on investigating alleged criminal conduct rather than pursuing political opponents.
“Wewe DCI kwanza shika wahusika wote wa uhalifu ndiyo uingilie mambo ya Gachagua kufichua wahalifu,” Mr Kega said.
The Kiambu declaration comes as opposition parties face a delicate balancing act over the question of who should carry the joint presidential ticket.
While Mr Gachagua is seeking to consolidate his support in Mt Kenya and expand his reach nationally, other potential contenders are expected to resist any attempt to settle the opposition's presidential question prematurely.
