Gachagua Says Opposition Not Rushing to Pick 2027 Flagbearer
Gachagua alleged that senators who supported his removal from office were paid large sums of money calling both houses of Parliament centers of corruption.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua during a past TV interview. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Democracy for the Citizens Party DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has brushed off pressure for the United Opposition coalition to immediately unveil a presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said there is no urgency in naming a flagbearer because the 2002 election showed that the opposition took more than two months to choose Mwai Kibaki as its candidate. He argued that the coalition still has ample time to make its decision.
The former Deputy President spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the opposition coalition which plans to run one presidential candidate from its member parties while he asked Kenyans to wait for ongoing discussions. He noted that coalition formation is a sensitive and carefully negotiated process.
Gachagua also launched a scathing attack on President Ruto accusing him of presiding over and encouraging corruption within public institutions. He welcomed a petition seeking to bar political activities at State House because he believed that the official residence has become a political center for the ruling United Democratic Alliance UDA.
Gachagua claims that State House no longer serves its governance function because it has become a space for political campaigns which he believes the President now uses to focus on re-election instead of governing.
The DCP leader said that corruption has become established in Parliament because both the National Assembly and the Senate now function as corruption hotspots. He accused the President of openly facilitating bribery because lawmakers have followed his example.
Gachagua alleged that senators who supported his removal from office were paid large sums of money calling both houses of Parliament centers of corruption.
He also accused President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of entrenching corrupt practices by allegedly distributing large amounts of cash to individuals during nationwide tours.
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