Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has challenged his colleagues in the United Opposition to step up grassroots mobilisation, accusing some leaders of sitting back while expecting to benefit from the coalition’s efforts to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said opposition leaders must actively mobilise supporters instead of relying on others to build the numbers needed to compete against Ruto.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence while hosting a delegation from Nyeri County on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the former Deputy President insisted that no leader would be handed the presidency without putting in the work to secure votes.
He appeared to take aim at colleagues whom he accused of criticising his growing political influence instead of concentrating on expanding the opposition’s support base.
“President, you must mobilise numbers. Some people are in hotels calling me names, saying we have pride because we have numbers. These numbers have come because of searching for them. Can they come without being sought?” he posed.
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Gachagua urged his fellow opposition leaders to move out of their comfort zones and engage voters, warning that political alliances alone would not guarantee victory.
“Please, I have told my brothers, we want to work together. Go out and mobilise numbers. Don’t just sit. If you just sit, it will be brought to you,” he said.
The former Deputy President also dismissed the idea that political influence or policy proposals alone could secure State House, arguing that presidential aspirants must demonstrate their ability to attract voters.
“There is nobody who will be given the presidency on a silver platter. It doesn’t matter what ideas you have or what you think you can do for this country. For you to be president, some people must wake up and vote for you,” Gachagua stated.
Muturi-Gachagua rivalry deepens
His remarks come a day after Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi accused him of political bullying, double-speak and undermining efforts to build a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Muturi questioned whether Gachagua was committed to the opposition’s collective presidential ambition under the Wantam movement, warning that no individual or political community could claim ownership of the coalition.
He also criticised Gachagua’s push for a tripartite political arrangement, arguing that winning the presidency required national consensus and alliances beyond regional political strongholds.
The latest exchange exposes disagreements within the opposition over grassroots mobilisation, coalition leadership and the strategy for identifying a single presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in 2027.
