DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua on Monday challenged opposition leaders to put aside their differences and rally behind a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Framing the next poll as a make-or-break moment for the country, Gachagua said a fragmented opposition would “hand Ruto victory by default” and betray Kenyans seeking change.
He argued that only a united front, built around one agreed candidate, could remove what he termed a “brutal regime” from power on 10 August 2027.
Positioning himself as the preferred flagbearer, Gachagua said he had been urged by Kenyans to step forward and offer leadership, citing his “experience, energy and national political network” as credentials for the top job.
Speaking from his Wamunyoro home, he claimed that delegations from across the country had identified him as the best bet to secure a first-round win against Ruto.
“I played a big role in bringing this government to power. It is hurting Kenyans. I am now playing an even bigger role to send it home,” he said, adding that he was prepared to sacrifice personal ambition if his allies chose another candidate for the sake of unity.
Gachagua also sought to cast himself as a champion of accountability, promising to use “every legitimate means” to call out, stop and dismantle any schemes by the current administration that, in his words, “waste taxpayers’ money or oppress the people of Kenya”.
He said Kenyans expected leaders to own up to their role in enabling policies that have caused harm and to “do whatever is within their power to make it right”.
“When a course you supported causes harm, you do not walk away; you do not make excuses. You apologize, then you fix it. That is exactly what I am doing,” he told supporters.
The DCP boss argued that growing public anger over the high cost of living, alleged corruption and broken promises had created a groundswell for an alternative government.
He said talks were ongoing among opposition figures to craft a united platform and a common policy agenda ahead of 2027.
While insisting he enjoys the trust of many Kenyans, Gachagua stressed that the priority was removing Ruto from power, not entrenching personalities.
“Kenyans have made it clear: we cannot gamble or take any risk that might bring William Ruto back. We must do whatever it takes to agree on one candidate and secure change in one round,” he said.
The United Opposition
is widely considered to be organizing to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
The primary principals said to be negotiating a single joint presidential ticket include Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), and Justin Muturi (DP).
Senator Edwin Sifuna is also widely regarded as a key opposition figure in the lineup with his Linda Mwananchi outfit.