“I Tell the Truth”: Rigathi Gachagua Rejects Bullying Allegations By Opposition

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a sharp counterattack against fellow opposition leaders, rejecting accusations that he acts as a “political bully” and defending his candid approach to opposition strategy.

Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the former Deputy President dismissed claims from within the United Opposition that his public statements amount to arrogance.

“Some members of the United Opposition have a problem with me. Just because I am a truthful man, and I tell them the truth all the time, they see that as arrogance and bullying,” Gachagua stated.

Feud with Justin Muturi over Groundwork vs. Boardroom Strategy

Gachagua’s remarks were a direct response to former Speaker of the National Assembly and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who publicly accused the former DP of political bullying, double-speak, and self-sabotage within the opposition alliance.

Muturi’s critique followed statements Gachagua made during the launch of the Linda Mwananchi (LMM) party and a subsequent Sunday interview on Inooro TV. Gachagua had challenged opposition presidential contenders to stop relying on high-end hotel meetings and instead prove their political weight through active grassroots mobilization.

Doubling down on Tuesday, Gachagua criticized opposition figures who expect to secure the alliance’s presidential nomination without doing heavy lifting on the ground.

“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 argued.

2027 Ambitions and Flagbearer Timeline Split

Maintaining that his impeachment was illegal, Gachagua asserted that he remains a formidable candidate for the 2027 presidential race. He firmly warned that he will not marshal Mt. Kenya voters behind any presidential aspirant who fails to actively engage citizens on the ground.

Despite the escalating war of words, Gachagua denied reports of an impending split within the United Opposition, though clear tactical differences remain—particularly regarding the timeline for selecting a presidential candidate.

While Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka previously signaled that the United Opposition intends to unveil a single flagbearer on November 13, Gachagua strongly advised against the move. He argued that naming a candidate more than 280 days before the general election would prematurely expose the opposition’s playbook and hand President William Ruto an easier path to reelection.