Gachagua takes swipe at ‘lazy’ opposition leaders after bullying claims

NYERI, Kenya, Nov 3 — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged leaders in the United Opposition to focus on mobilising votes instead of accusing him of political arrogance and bullying, insisting that President William Ruto can only be removed from power through numbers.

Gachagua said the opposition must build a strong electoral base capable of defeating Ruto, arguing that political declarations, press conferences and competing manifestos would not deliver victory without sufficient voter support.

He spoke at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri while officially welcoming former Kenyan High Commissioner to India Peter Munyiri into his party.

“It seems that many of my colleagues in the opposition are not understanding me. I am not arrogant or a bully. What I am doing is mobilising numbers that will send Ruto home, so instead of attacking me, they should go out and mobilise,” Gachagua said.

He argued that even the strongest political ideologies and manifestos would not remove the President from office without the numbers needed to win an election.

“Even if we have the best ideologies or manifestos, we cannot drive Ruto away. Currently, you have seen him looking for numbers even in his backyard. He is trying to balance his numbers. My advice to those victimising me is that you will not drive him away through press conferences or in the comfort of your homes. Move out and seek votes,” he added.

His remarks come amid growing criticism from some United Opposition leaders who have accused him of political arrogance and bullying, arguing that his approach could undermine efforts to build a united front against Ruto.

Gachagua, however, maintained that the opposition must first consolidate its support base, including securing strong backing in one region, before settling on the candidate to lead its presidential campaign.

He also took aim at leaders he accused of seeking political support through television appearances and press conferences rather than grassroots mobilisation.

“There is no way I will leave this seat to someone who is a lazy mobiliser or one who seeks votes through TVs and press conferences. Political science is about numbers, period,” he said.

Gachagua reiterated his determination to ensure Ruto serves only one term, but said he would support whoever the opposition ultimately selects to challenge the President.