Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi after he accused him of bullying and undermining unity within the United Opposition.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday, November 3, Gachagua dismissed the accusations, arguing that some opposition leaders mistake his outspoken nature and criticism for arrogance.
He maintained that his willingness to speak openly about political issues had made him unpopular with certain members of the opposition coalition.
Gachagua responds to Muturi’s political bullying accusations
Gachagua’s remarks came after Muturi accused the former Deputy President of political bullying, double-speak and self-sabotage within the United Opposition.
Responding to the criticism, Gachagua insisted that he was simply being truthful when addressing disagreements among opposition leaders.
“Some members of the United Opposition have a problem with me. Just because I am a truthful man, and I tell them the truth all the time, they see that as arrogance and bullying,” Gachagua stated.
Muturi’s criticism followed Gachagua’s remarks at the launch of the Linda Mwananchi party on Friday and a subsequent Sunday night interview with Inooro TV.
During the engagements, Gachagua challenged opposition presidential hopefuls to demonstrate their popularity through grassroots mobilisation rather than relying on meetings in high-end hotels.
Gachagua claims DCP has held 27 grassroots rallies
The DCP leader renewed his criticism on Tuesday, accusing some United Opposition leaders of spending more time in boardroom meetings than engaging voters.
He contrasted their activities with those of youthful DCP leaders, who he claimed had organised dozens of grassroots rallies during his absence in the United States.
Gachagua cited the party’s mobilisation efforts under leaders such as John Methu, arguing that presidential hopefuls should demonstrate their political strength through direct engagement with voters.
“Since I was in the U.S., our DCP Party has conducted 27 rallies led by our youthful leaders such as John Methu, while the other leaders, who want to be president from the United Opposition, only conduct meetings in boardrooms,” he stated.
He maintained that aspiring presidential candidates should not expect automatic support without putting in the work to build their political networks across the country.
Gachagua maintains 2027 presidential ambitions
Despite his impeachment as Deputy President, which he continues to describe as illegal, Gachagua maintained that he remains a contender in the 2027 presidential race.
He also ruled out mobilising Mt Kenya voters behind any United Opposition presidential hopeful who was not actively conducting grassroots campaigns.
His remarks suggest that grassroots mobilisation will remain a major consideration in determining who receives political backing from his camp.
Gachagua opposes early naming of United Opposition flagbearer
Despite his criticism of fellow opposition leaders, Gachagua dismissed reports suggesting that the United Opposition was splitting over disagreements about its presidential candidate.
The question of when to name a joint presidential flagbearer has emerged as a major talking point within the opposition.
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka recently indicated during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi Movement that the coalition would likely identify its presidential candidate on November 13.
However, Gachagua argued against announcing the candidate too early, warning that doing so more than 280 days before the General Election would expose the opposition’s political strategy.
He maintained that revealing its presidential choice prematurely could give President William Ruto an advantage as he prepares for the 2027 election.
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