Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his political activities in Nairobi.
Gachagua extended an invitation to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, suggesting they were welcome to join his party, the DCP, or any other constituent party of the United Opposition if they felt discontented within ODM.
Speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi during the reception of two newly elected DCP Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Gachagua defended his intensified recruitment drive, asserting it was his prerogative to promote his party.
“No one should make me feel that I am committing a political transgression by advocating for my party. That is my responsibility,” he stated.
He informed Sifuna and Babu that they would be welcomed into DCP or any other party within the United Opposition alliance.
“Edwin Sifuna, should you be ousted from ODM, you are welcome in DCP. Sifuna is an effective senator in Nairobi, and I would have no objection to DCP endorsing him for the Nairobi senatorial position in 2027,” he said.
He offered a similar invitation to Babu, stating, “Babu Owino, if you are expelled from ODM, come to DCP.”
Gachagua characterized DCP as “the party of devoted Kenyan citizens,” but also mentioned that if the two leaders preferred not to join DCP, they could still collaborate with Wiper.
He affirmed that cooperation within the united opposition remained strong.
“Where Wiper demonstrates strength, we offer our support; where DCP is strong, we provide support,” he explained, adding that the coalition was optimistic about securing the Lang’ata constituency seat in the 2027 elections.
Gachagua reiterated that his efforts to expand DCP prior to the 2027 elections were consistent with the broader collaboration among opposition factions.
“Develop your political organization, then engage in electoral contests. I do not exclusively advocate for any particular party, even if it is part of the united opposition,” he remarked.
“I promote my party, and subsequently, I work with parties within the united opposition,” he added.
Gachagua also criticized ODM’s political strategy, expressing his belief that the party risked weakening itself by aligning too closely with the government.
He presented his comments as a concern for what he considers the vital role of robust political parties in a democracy.
“I am saddened that ODM’s strength is diminishing,” he noted, adding that vigorous parties enhance democratic competition.
He referred to recent by-elections as, in his view, indicators of evolving political trends, citing DCP’s victory in the Narok town MCA seat, the Kisa East ward success in Western Kenya, and UDA’s win in the Purko Ward seat.
“If you permit the party to be compromised, you will become a less influential party. You will only secure a few positions in Luo Nyanza,” he warned, presenting this as a cautionary observation based on his political analysis.
