DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has insisted that the United Opposition will field one presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general election, dismissing claims that the opposition is too divided to agree on a flagbearer.
Speaking during public engagements in Gatanga constituency, Murang’a county, Gachagua accused unnamed figures within the opposition of working with the government to create confusion and weaken the alternative political movement.
He alleged that some individuals had been deployed to portray the opposition as fragmented, saying the claims were meant to undermine public confidence in the coalition’s ability to present a united front.
“There are people being used by the government to create the impression that there is no unity in the opposition. That is not true. The United Opposition is intact, and we will have one presidential candidate,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President said the opposition would eventually subject its presidential aspirants to a nomination process and rally behind whoever emerges victorious.
He further said he was ready to step aside if another candidate is picked to lead the opposition ticket.
“If the candidate is me, they will support me. If it is someone else, I will support them. What matters is that we must have one candidate to remove William Ruto from power,” he said.
Gachagua cautioned opposition figures against making public statements that could fuel division, saying the country needed a disciplined and united alternative government.
He also weighed in on recent remarks by Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan on youth-led uprisings, claiming President Ruto had visited Tanzania to “benchmark” on how to deal with young people.
Gachagua urged young people to prepare for the 2027 elections by acquiring identity cards and registering as voters, saying their participation would be critical in determining the country’s political direction.
“Let every young person get an ID and register as a voter. That is the only weapon you have to remove this government from power,” he said.
Turning to the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, Gachagua warned residents, especially young people, against surrendering their identity cards to political operatives.
He accused the ruling party of desperation and alleged that some of its agents were attempting to buy or collect IDs to influence the electoral process.
“Do not sell your ID. Do not give it to anyone. Keep it and use it to vote,” he said.
Gachagua assured residents that the opposition nominations scheduled for Saturday would be free and fair, adding that the party would support the candidate chosen by the people.
He was accompanied by several leaders, among them Murang’a senator Joe Nyutu, Kigumo MP Joseph Munyoro, Laikipia senator John Kinyua and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu.
Gachagua, who has intensified his political activities in Mount Kenya and other regions, has in recent months positioned himself as one of the key figures in the opposition’s push to unseat president Ruto.
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