Uncategorized

Rigathi Gachagua Shrugs Off Opposition Division Claims, Declares Himself Ruto’s Biggest Threat

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed reports of a fallout between him and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, insisting that the opposition remains united ahead of the 2027 General Election. During an interview on KTN on Monday, October 6, Gachagua addressed what he termed as deliberate efforts to sow discord within the opposition. “Some individuals are trying to influence opposition leaders individually, so that a third force is created to divide the opposition,” Gachagua claimed. The former Deputy President cautioned against forming splinter groups, warning that any attempts to establish a third political force would likely face public rejection. “If anyone leaves the united opposition to form a third force, Kenyans will not accept it,” he stated. Gachagua added that unity remains the opposition’s greatest weapon, insisting,, “In 2027, whoever is chosen by the united opposition to face William Ruto will become the sixth President of Kenya.” Gachagua maintained that he remains the strongest candidate to defeat President William Ruto. He earlier stated that he fully supports the ongoing talks aimed at producing a single opposition flagbearer. According to Gachagua, the most important goal is to challenge President Ruto with a united front. However, he admitted that he personally looks forward to facing his former ally during a live presidential debate. “I would only have one disappointment if I am not chosen. Just one… I will miss the opportunity to face William Ruto in the presidential debate,” he said. These remarks came shortly after former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also dismissed reports of divisions within the united opposition, which brings together several presidential hopefuls, including himself, Gachagua, Martha Karua, and Kalonzo Musyoka. Speculation about tensions began after Matiang’i skipped several political meetings attended by the other key opposition figures. Last week, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni accused Gachagua of trying to pressure Matiang’i during opposition coalition talks. Kioni alleged that Gachagua had been urging Matiang’i to abandon Jubilee and instead align with a smaller political outfit. He further claimed that Gachagua even attempted to dictate which party Matiang’i should represent at the negotiations. Addressing the claims, Matiang’i acknowledged the existence of a coordination secretariat within the coalition but explained that achieving full alignment among leaders takes time. He expressed confidence that unity would eventually prevail. “Aligning visions, perspectives, and convincing one another is a weighty issue. Our patience, perseverance, and patriotism will be tested, but we must overcome temptations and work together as expected by Kenyans,” Matiang’i said. “We are a democratic environment. No leader can choose a party for another leader. No leader can choose a leader for the people of Kenya. Differences in opinion will always exist,” he added. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Telegram

admin October 7, 2025 2 min read

During an interview on KTN on Monday, October 6, Gachagua addressed what he termed as deliberate efforts to sow discord within the opposition.

“Some individuals are trying to influence opposition leaders individually, so that a third force is created to divide the opposition,” Gachagua claimed.

The former Deputy President cautioned against forming splinter groups, warning that any attempts to establish a third political force would likely face public rejection.

“If anyone leaves the united opposition to form a third force, Kenyans will not accept it,” he stated.

Gachagua added that unity remains the opposition’s greatest weapon, insisting,, “In 2027, whoever is chosen by the united opposition to face William Ruto will become the sixth President of Kenya.”

Gachagua maintained that he remains the strongest candidate to defeat President William Ruto.

He earlier stated that he fully supports the ongoing talks aimed at producing a single opposition flagbearer. According to Gachagua, the most important goal is to challenge President Ruto with a united front. However, he admitted that he personally looks forward to facing his former ally during a live presidential debate.

“I would only have one disappointment if I am not chosen. Just one… I will miss the opportunity to face William Ruto in the presidential debate,” he said.

These remarks came shortly after former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also dismissed reports of divisions within the united opposition, which brings together several presidential hopefuls, including himself, Gachagua, Martha Karua, and Kalonzo Musyoka.

Speculation about tensions began after Matiang’i skipped several political meetings attended by the other key opposition figures.

Last week, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni accused Gachagua of trying to pressure Matiang’i during opposition coalition talks. Kioni alleged that Gachagua had been urging Matiang’i to abandon Jubilee and instead align with a smaller political outfit. He further claimed that Gachagua even attempted to dictate which party Matiang’i should represent at the negotiations.

Addressing the claims, Matiang’i acknowledged the existence of a coordination secretariat within the coalition but explained that achieving full alignment among leaders takes time. He expressed confidence that unity would eventually prevail.

“Aligning visions, perspectives, and convincing one another is a weighty issue. Our patience, perseverance, and patriotism will be tested, but we must overcome temptations and work together as expected by Kenyans,” Matiang’i said.

“We are a democratic environment. No leader can choose a party for another leader. No leader can choose a leader for the people of Kenya. Differences in opinion will always exist,” he added.