Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua at JKIA leaving for the USA on August 26, 2026. [Wanyiri Kahito, Standard]
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua says Kenya’s opposition will unveil its joint presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election by March, urging supporters to remain patient as political parties work towards building a united front.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, as he left the country for the United States, Gachagua said consultations within the opposition camp were ongoing and called on Kenyans to remain engaged as the political landscape takes shape.
The former Deputy President also condemned the growing use of goons by politicians to intimidate opponents and disrupt political meetings, warning that such behaviour threatens Kenya’s democratic progress.
Gachagua was reacting to recent incidents of political violence and disorder, saying the use of hired groups to settle political scores was a worrying sign ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Attacking people in a meeting where the President is shows how we have sunk as a country,” Gachagua said.
He said he had previously warned President William Ruto about the consequences of political intolerance but claimed his concerns had not been heeded.
“I have advised him but he never listens, but now he has seen for himself,” he said.