Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on opposition parties to strengthen cooperation and intensify grassroots mobilisation as they prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a meeting with political delegates from Mathioya and Kangema constituencies, Gachagua said opposition parties should respect each other’s political formations while focusing on building support among voters at the grassroots level.
He dismissed claims that he was pressuring politicians to abandon their parties and join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), saying his priority was to grow his own party while allowing allies to strengthen their respective political outfits.
“I have never said that anyone should dissolve their political party. I am saying people should join DCP. I hold meetings every day,” said Gachagua.
Gachagua said the strength of any political party depends on its ability to directly engage voters, urging leaders to move beyond media appearances and focus on consistent grassroots campaigns.
“When I hold a meeting and leave, you should come after me and market your own party. Let everyone sell their own party instead of only complaining at press conferences,” he said.
He attributed DCP’s growing popularity to what he described as sustained efforts by the party leadership to reach out to voters across the country.
“DCP has become popular because Riggy G and his team are working hard,” he said, referring to himself by his nickname.
The former Deputy President also challenged political leaders to invest more in grassroots campaigns, citing the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as an example of the importance of voter mobilisation.
He questioned the performance of Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya, arguing that stronger campaigns would have improved the party’s results.
“You, Munya, and PNU did not campaign in Ol Kalou. You got 28 votes. If you don’t campaign, how do you expect to get votes?” Gachagua posed.
At the same time, Gachagua called for greater cooperation among opposition parties, saying they should allow competition for elective seats while seeking a common position on the presidential race.
His remarks come as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition unity and coalition-building emerging as key issues in Kenya’s political landscape.
