Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has rejected calls to prematurely name an opposition flagbearer, cautioning that doing so would play into President William Ruto’s hands.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 general elections, Gachagua said, “We’ll unveil our flagbearer months before the polls. Naming our candidate now will only give Ruto an advantage to confuse voters.” Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, however, indicated that his party’s candidate would be announced within the first quarter of the year.
Gachagua also took aim at Ruto’s recent opinion polls, which he described as state-sponsored attempts to overturn the will of the people. He accused the surveys of being manufactured to mislead citizens who have already rejected the current regime, creating an illusion of continued support for Ruto ahead of the elections.
He further alleged that the polls were being used by Ruto to attract funds from backers who were reportedly losing confidence due to the president’s declining political fortunes. According to Gachagua, these tactics are part of a broader strategy to manipulate public perception and secure both political and financial advantage in the run-up to the polls.
The DCP leader’s remarks signal growing tension among opposition figures on how to approach the election campaign, with Gachagua advocating a cautious, strategic unveiling of candidates while condemning what he called manipulative practices by the ruling party.