Gachagua Challenges Matiang’i, Muturi to Prove Their Ability to Mobilise Votes

Internal tensions within Kenya's opposition camp burst into the open on Tuesday as Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua locked horns with Jubilee leader Fred Matiang'i and former Attorney General Justin Muturi over campaign tactics.

Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on November 3, 2026, the former Deputy President dismissed critics who branded him an obstacle to opposition unity. He argued that presidential campaigns depend on grassroots mobilisation rather than elite boardroom meetings or press conferences.

"We need 18 millioormer Kitui Governor Charity Ngilun votes to send William Ruto home, and these numbers cannot be mobilised in boardrooms, press conferences or writing letters," Gachagua told supporters. He accused Matiang'i and Muturi of waiting to be spoon-fed political power without putting in the hard work required on the ground.

The sharp exchange came on the same day Gachagua hosted former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu at his residence to consult on coalition-building strategies. Describing Ngilu as the "Iron Lady of Kenyan politics", Gachagua said he sought her counsel on how the historic National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) was forged in 2002 to end KANU's rule.

Gachagua drew parallels between the current political landscape and the 2002 polls, reiterating the opposition's goal of fielding a single presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in 2027. He has recently held similar political consultations with Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Movement.

However, the path to a united front faces clear internal friction. Gachagua hit back at Muturi, questioning his authority on vote mobilisation after the Democratic Party performed poorly in a recent Member of County Assembly by-election where it secured only 35 votes.

By contrast, Gachagua pointed to his party's victory in the Ol-Kalou parliamentary by-election, where DCP clinched the seat with over 35,000 votes. He maintained that such electoral wins demonstrate his proven ability to deliver numbers, dismissing claims of arrogance and bullying from coalition partners.

Matiang'i had earlier asserted that Gachagua's pride would undermine opposition unity, while Muturi accused him of heavy-handed tactics. Despite the brewing discord, Gachagua insisted that his focus remains fixed on building a formidable, vote-rich machinery for the upcoming general election.