Gachagua addresses claims of division in the united opposition
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has brushed off claims of internal divisions within the opposition, insisting that the leaders are united in purpose.
His remarks come amid growing speculations over the future of the opposition, with deliberation on who will compete against President William Ruto in the 2027 elections at the center stage.
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Speaking in an exclusive interview on a local TV station on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Gachagua addressed concerns of a possible internal rift, affirming that any differences among leaders do not amount to disunity in the broader movement.
“There may be a little difference among leaders in the way they look at things, but those leaders are not the opposition. The opposition are the people of Kenya, and they are united to a man, to a man,” he asserted.
Gachagua emphasised that the grassroots movement sweeping across the country, which he referred to as the Wantam movement, is not only alive but growing stronger across the regions.
“The wantam movement is real across the country, from the Coast region, Northern Kenya, Delta, Central Kenya, Upper and Western Nyanza, Western, here in Nairobi. The one camp movement and the people of Kenya are united in purpose,” he said.
Earlier, Gachagua had accused Ruto of plotting to split the opposition.
Political advice ignored?
The Democracy for Citizens (DCP ) Party boss sought to clarify the role of political leaders in the ongoing wave of civic opposition, arguing that leaders are only there to offer direction, not define the movement.
“We, the leaders, are just a reflection of the people, but we are not the people,” he stated. “We are not the opposition. The opposition are the people of Kenya,” he said.
Also watch: Gachagua says missing debate with Ruto would be his biggest regret.
He went on to stress that Kenyans are clear about their intentions and the direction they want to take, and that their unity cannot be undermined by speculation about political infighting.
“What we are doing as leaders is just providing leadership, because when people want to go somewhere, they need somebody to lead the way. But the people know where they want to go. They know what they want to do, and they are united in purpose,” Gachagua explained.
Gachagua recounted his earlier conversations with President Ruto during which he warned against ignoring the voice of the people.
“I listened to the people I went, I told the President, he was my great buddy, I said, ‘Mister President, listen to the people. Do not force them. They will disappoint you, and they will embarrass you. He shrugged it off. He did not think it is true,” he recalled.
