Gachagua: No Hurry to Reveal Opposition Candidate to Face Ruto

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua during a past event

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed calls for the United Opposition coalition to unveil a presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, insisting there is no urgency.

Speaking on Tuesday, the former Deputy President cited the 2002 election timeline, noting that Mwai Kibaki was named the opposition flagbearer just over two months before the polls.

“There is no hurry. Mwai Kibaki was named on October 14, 2002, when the election was on December 27. There is no hurry,” Gachagua said.

He added that the coalition remains committed to fronting a single candidate to face President William Ruto, urging Kenyans to bepatient as talks continue.

“Coalition building is a delicate affair. We are committed to having one presidential candidate,” he told the press.

Gachagua also launched a scathing attack on President Ruto, accusing him of enabling corruption in public institutions.

He welcomed a petition seeking to ban political activities at State House, claiming the official residence has been turned into a hub for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) affairs.

“State House has become a scene of crime. It has become a centre of corruption and bribery,” he said, accusing the President of prioritising re-election over governance.

The DCP leader further alleged that corruption has taken root in Parliament, claiming both the National Assembly and Senate have become hotbeds of graft.

“When I was being hounded out of office, the Senators who did that were given Ksh.10 million each, and others Ksh.20 million. It is a den of corruption, so is the National Assembly,” Gachagua claimed.

He also accused President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of normalising corruption by allegedly moving around the country distributing money to politicians.