Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has concluded his 55-day consultative programme at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, saying the end of the meetings marks the beginning of a wider public engagement across Kenya and beyond.
Gachagua said he had presented a comprehensive report on the issues and views raised by Kenyans during the consultations, which brought together people from different communities and sectors to discuss their concerns and offer suggestions on the country’s political and socio-economic direction.
In a statement following the conclusion of the consultations, Gachagua expressed gratitude to the thousands of Kenyans who visited his Wamunyoro residence during the period to share their grievances and propose solutions to challenges facing the country.
“While these consultations are coming to an end, public engagement will continue across communities within Kenya and beyond,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President said the consultations had provided an opportunity for Kenyans to directly communicate their concerns and expectations, adding that the issues raised would continue to inform his political engagements and plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Wamunyoro consultations, which were initially planned for 45 days, were extended to 55 days as Gachagua intensified engagements with various groups and communities. The programme formed part of his wider efforts to listen to citizens and develop a political strategy based on the issues raised at the grassroots.
During the final phase of the consultations, Gachagua also stepped up his calls for opposition unity, with the former Deputy President indicating that personal political ambitions should not stand in the way of efforts to build a formidable alternative to President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
He has said he would be willing to support an opposition candidate selected through an agreed process if he is not chosen as the flag bearer, signalling his willingness to prioritise a united opposition campaign.
At the same time, Gachagua has continued to position himself as a potential presidential candidate, with reports indicating that he told supporters that Kenyans who participated in the consultations had expressed confidence in his ability to lead the opposition into the 2027 contest.
The former Deputy President has also announced plans to expand his political outreach beyond his traditional support base. He is expected to visit Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu as he seeks to strengthen his national political network and engage communities in other parts of the country.
Gachagua has maintained that the conclusion of the Wamunyoro consultations should not be interpreted as the end of his engagement with Kenyans. Instead, he says the process will continue through direct interactions with communities both within Kenya and abroad.
“It’s not done until it’s done,” he said, while reaffirming that his commitment to the political course remains firm.
“Our commitment remains resolute, and our resolve true to our course,” Gachagua added.
The conclusion of the Wamunyoro consultations comes as political parties and leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with opposition figures seeking to build alliances and agree on a strategy for challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua’s next phase of political engagement is therefore expected to focus on expanding his national reach, consolidating support for the DCP and participating in broader discussions on the formation of a united opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
