Category: Politics

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi over accusations of political bullying and arrogance, insisting that his approach to Opposition unity is driven by electoral realities.

Gachagua defended his proposal to unite three political blocs – Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya – arguing that their combined numerical strength could give the Opposition an advantage in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Tuesday, where he hosted a delegation from the county, Gachagua claimed that some of his political colleagues were uncomfortable with his straightforward approach and insistence on discussing electoral numbers.

“Some my friends think that I am arrogant for being truthful. I am not arrogant. I am just truthful.”

“When I tell some we wake up and work, they say I am bullying them. No!” asserted Gachagua, who is also the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader.

His remarks came a day after Muturi accused him of using political bullying and ultimatums in his engagements with fellow Opposition leaders.

“Let it be clear: No individual owns the United Opposition, and no community has a monopoly on Kenya’s presidency. Political partnerships must be built on mutual respect, not ultimatums, political bullying or supremacy contests,” he stated.

Matiang’i had also criticised Gachagua’s numerical proposal, warning that it could undermine efforts to build a united Opposition.

"That majoritarian arrogance and that particular pride is precisely what is going to split the opposition and make it very difficult for the opposition to come together,” said Matiang’i, duringa television interview.

However, Gachagua maintained that presidential ambitions must be backed by the ability to attract votes, regardless of an individual's political standing or policy proposals.

“I have told those leaders that, when you want to be the president of Kenya, you must be voted for, regadless of the policies you have.”

“And for you to get votes, you must look for them. No vote can be found in hotels or in the television. Votes are looked for.”

He argued that electoral politics was fundamentally about numbers, maintaining that Opposition leaders needed to establish their potential voter base and develop strategies to secure a majority.

“Politics is a game of numbers. The science of politics is numbers. We are anticipating there shall be 26 million [registered voters]. To be on the safe side we must get 13 million plus 1. ..we must look for those numbers.”

Gachagua also invoked his experience in the 2022 General Election, claiming that his mobilisation efforts had played a significant role in securing President William Ruto's victory.

“I am a believer of numbers. I am also experienced. I delivered the presidency in the last election [2022] through mobilisation of numbers. Some are uncomfortable discussing numbers; but they must be discussed,” he said.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a political setback following the defection of its elected leaders to the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), a party led by Ugenya MP David Ochieng’.

The defections, led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and David Ragen, the ODM Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Alego Central Ward in Siaya County, mark a significant development in the emerging political contest for influence in the Nyanza and Western Kenya regions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders announced their allegiance to MDG during a colourful political gathering held at the party’s headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where more than 500 aspirants seeking various elective positions declared their support for the party.

The aspirants, drawn from 17 counties across the country, also expressed their intention to contest for elective seats under the MDG ticket in the 2027 General Election.

Addressing the gathering, Ochieng’ declared that the party was fully prepared for the next General Election and would field candidates in all elective positions across the country, except the presidency.

He maintained that no amount of intimidation, political pressure or coercion would deter MDG from pursuing its electoral ambitions.

“Let it be very clear to everybody that MDG will field candidates across the country irrespective of underhand machinations to dissuade us from doing so. We are not going to cede any ground,” Ochieng’ said.

The Ugenya legislator accused some political parties of seeking zoning arrangements to restrict competing parties from fielding candidates in certain regions.

He argued that such arrangements were an attempt to limit political competition, insisting that every party should be free to seek support from Kenyans regardless of geographical or political strongholds.

Ochieng’ also challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticising President William Ruto’s development agenda and present practical alternatives to the challenges facing the country.

He cited opposition to major infrastructure and industrial development projects, including the proposed Dangote-led oil refinery at the Coast and the Mau Summit–Rironi road project, arguing that Kenyans needed constructive alternatives rather than constant political criticism.

According to the MP, the electorate was interested in policies and proposals capable of improving livelihoods, creating opportunities and addressing the country's development challenges.

On matters of leadership integrity, Ochieng’ said MDG would subject all its prospective candidates to strict integrity checks to ensure they met the constitutional and legal requirements for public office.

On his part, Kaunya attributed his decision to leave ODM to dissatisfaction with the party's internal leadership and electoral processes.

He argued that a growing number of members had lost confidence in the party leadership due to what he described as flawed internal elections and failure to uphold democratic principles.

Kaunya maintained that political parties should provide platforms for democratic participation, transparency and fair competition rather than limit members' political ambitions.