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, defending his approach to Opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Tuesday, November 3, where he hosted a delegation from the county, Gachagua said his proposal to unite three political blocs from Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya was based on electoral numbers and the need to build a strong coalition capable of challenging President William Ruto in the next election.
Gachagua Reveals What Matiang’i and Muturi Must Do to Win Presidency
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader maintained that some Opposition politicians had mistaken his direct approach to political mobilisation for arrogance.
“Some my friends think that I am arrogant for being truthful. I am not arrogant. I am just truthful,” Gachagua said.
“When I tell some we wake up and work, they say I am bullying them. No!”
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At the same time the former DP criticized some leaders for failing to engage in active campaigns as they waited to be named the United Opposition’s presidential flagbearer.
He argued that it was unfair for some opposition leaders to limit their activities to boardroom meetings since his US tour, while youthful DCP leaders had organised nearly 30 grassroots rallies during the same period.
“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,” Gachagua stated.
Muturi, Matiang’i Claim Gachagua is a “Political Bully“
His remarks came a day after Muturi accused him of using political bullying and ultimatums in his engagements with other Opposition leaders.
Muturi had cautioned that no individual or community should claim control of the United Opposition, arguing that political partnerships should be based on mutual respect rather than pressure or competition for supremacy.
“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,” Muturi stated.
Similarly, Matiang’i had also criticised Gachagua’s proposal to organise the Opposition around regional voting blocs, warning that the approach could undermine efforts to bring leaders together.
Appearing for an interview at KTN, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary argued that what he described as majoritarian arrogance could create divisions within the Opposition and make it difficult to establish a common political front.
“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,” Matiang’i said.
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However, Gachagua maintained that anyone seeking the presidency must demonstrate the ability to attract votes, arguing that political ambitions must be supported by grassroots mobilisation.
He insisted that leaders could not secure electoral support through media appearances or meetings in hotels but had to engage voters directly.
“I have told those leaders that, when you want to be the president of Kenya, you must be voted for, regardless 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 said.
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