Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he considers the Jubilee Party, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the weakest link in the United Opposition’s push for power.
According to Mr Gachagua, Jubilee is fronting a presidential candidate, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who lacks a defined political base and whose camp has been heavily infiltrated by President William Ruto’s allies.
Speaking on Kameme TV, Mr Gachagua said that he has repeatedly warned Dr Matiang’i that Jubilee is riddled with “incumbent apologists, traitors, and sell-outs,” and urged him to form a new party rooted in the Nyanza region to secure loyalty and discipline.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i during a Jubilee Party meeting in Murang’a County on November 7, 2025.
“It is very difficult for anyone aspiring to the presidency to lack a solid home base and still expect to negotiate effectively. You must lock your base first, then go to the table with a clear deliverable,” he said.
Mr Gachagua accused Jubilee loyalists of focusing their energy on attacking him rather than defending their party leader.
“Just recently, when Mr [Uhuru] Kenyatta was under attack from both UDA and ODM, Jubilee members were silent. I was the one who defended him alongside ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. Dr Matiang’i spoke later, but most Jubilee leaders said nothing because they are Ruto loyalists hiding in the party,” he said.
Mr Gachagua further claimed that Dr Matiang’i is already facing resistance in his Kisii backyard, with some supporters reluctant to back a candidate perceived to be riding on a Mt Kenya-based party.
He also dismissed calls by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to name a United Opposition presidential flag bearer by the end of March.
“That would be a fatal mistake. President Ruto would unleash the full weight of the State on that candidate, and they would not survive the pressure for the next 16 months. We should wait about two months to the August 2027 General Election,” he said.
Mr Gachagua said the issue would be debated in an inclusive forum next month to build consensus.
“This is my view, just as Mr Musyoka has his. We must debate it openly and agree on a strategy that gives us unanimity,” he said. He argued that opposition parties historically suffer when they prematurely reveal their flagbearer while facing an incumbent.
Drawing from his experience in Mt Kenya, Mr Gachagua said infiltration and defections were inevitable but manageable.
Former CS Fred Matiang'i at Gusii stadium on May 2, 2025.
“One of our biggest challenges in Mt Kenya is spies and infiltrators. Some loyalists are being bought. I am losing some, but that does not matter. Those who remain will face the voters. Our voters are not stupid. We only need to be resilient, vigilant, and defiant,” he said.
Mr Gachagua further faulted some opposition leaders for failing to appreciate that elections are won through organised mobilisation and deliverable numbers.
He said the opposition stood to gain if Dr Matiang’i focused on consolidating Nyanza and if Mr Musyoka succeeded in pulling support from ODM, particularly in the Coast region.
The former Deputy President said he believes he is a strong contender for the opposition ticket but is open to stepping aside if persuaded otherwise.
He added that opposition leaders are yet to agree on the criteria for selecting a joint presidential candidate.
“We are at the stage where everyone interested must declare their intention. We must also publicly commit that whoever loses will support the winner. I have been clear that I am ready to support the winner if I am beaten. Some people are shy about saying they are ready to lose,” he said.
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