The Democracy for the Citizens Party will not settle for anything less than former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua flying the United Opposition flag in 2027, Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has said.
Mr Malala maintained that Mr Gachagua remains the undisputed leader of the opposition. This is even as he argued that the united opposition is yet to come up with an ideal presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to Mr Malala, the party has made a decision to support Mr Gachagua in his presidential bid in 2027.
The opposition, he says, is making plans to select a suitable candidate from the principals to be their official flagbearer in the elections.
“If the selection formula favours Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, we will all rally behind him. The same applies to either Mr Gachagua or Mr Eugene Wamalwa,” said Mr Malala. “As we speak, we as the DCP have agreed that Mr Rigathi will be on the ballot.”
Arguing that the DCP is a national party, Mr Malala said the opposition is ready to win in the by-elections in preparation for the general elections.
The party, he said, has forwarded aspirants in Khisa East, Magarini, Purko, Narok Town and Kariobangi North.
“We have stepped back for other aspirants in the united opposition in Mbeere North and Malava to avoid party infighting,” said Mr Malala. “In Magarini, the Wiper Party candidate stepped down for the DCP aspirant. In Malava, Mr Edgar Wasiega stepped down for Mr Seth Panyako. In Kisa East, the DAP-Kenya aspirant stepped down for DCP’s Mr Dickson Aduda.”
He said the same strategy is being used by the Orange Democratic Movement and the United Democratic Alliance.
The DCP Deputy Party Leader maintained that they are in a good relationship with Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i.
According to Mr Malala, while Dr Matiang’i has been missing from united opposition activities, he is in support of the movement.
“We are working closely with Dr Matiang’i. His close allies will be joining us in Malava for campaigns ahead of the scheduled by-elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Malala defended Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo’s recent statement on the allocation of development projects across the country, saying the senator, just like any other citizen, has a right to follow up on government projects. He said that the Makueni Senator was right to ask for development for his people.
Allocation of development funds by the government, Mr Malala said, is not in any way related to the president doing a favour for his constituents.
“The funds are taxes from the citizens; it is the right of every Kenyan. What is not right is when locals are denied development simply because they are not supporting the president of the day,” he said.
