‘Face Gachagua or Step Aside’: Njeri Maina Declares Rigathi Only Leader Who Can Defeat Ruto as Opposition Succession Battle Explodes
The battle to become the opposition’s presidential flagbearer for the 2027 General Election has intensified after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina publicly declared Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua as the only candidate capable of defeating President William Ruto.
Speaking after a church service in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, Maina challenged other opposition co-principals seeking the coalition’s presidential ticket to prove they possess the same political strength and vote-mobilising ability as the former Deputy President.
Her endorsement comes at a time when opposition leaders are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly contested process to settle on a single presidential candidate.
“There are some men, you know; we have other co-principals eyeing the flagbearer post. It is only Riggy G who has demonstrated that he can produce votes, protect, and ensure that Kasongo goes home,” Maina said.
Although she stopped short of naming specific rivals, her remarks appeared aimed at senior opposition figures who have either declared presidential ambitions or have been fronted by their supporters as potential coalition flagbearers.
Among the leaders widely linked to the race are Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Gachagua himself, all of whom continue to feature prominently in discussions over the opposition’s 2027 strategy.
Maina went a step further by confidently predicting that Gachagua would not only secure the coalition’s nomination but also emerge victorious in the next General Election.
“I want to say that Gachagua will be the sixth president of Kenya and we, as his army, are ready,” she told supporters.
Her remarks are likely to fuel fresh debate within the opposition, where leaders have publicly committed to fielding a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto but are yet to agree on who should carry the coalition’s flag.
Gachagua Maintains He Is Best Placed to Unseat Ruto
Gachagua has consistently argued that he remains the opposition’s strongest candidate, insisting that his political influence—particularly in the Mt Kenya region—places him ahead of his rivals despite his impeachment from office.
Addressing the same church gathering, the former Deputy President revealed that several politicians allied to President Ruto from the Mt Kenya region had allegedly approached him seeking reconciliation.
However, Gachagua dismissed the idea of holding private political negotiations, insisting that any discussions should be conducted openly.
He said leaders wishing to engage him should do so publicly during the day instead of arranging secret night meetings, adding that he had nothing to conceal from Kenyans.
Sifuna Stands Firm Despite Political Setback
Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has continued to project confidence despite recent changes within the opposition that saw him removed as Senate Deputy Minority Whip.
Speaking during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Mwatate Town on Saturday, Sifuna maintained that losing influential parliamentary positions would not deter him from pursuing leadership or championing the interests of Kenyans.
His remarks have further highlighted the growing competition among opposition heavyweights as political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
With multiple prominent figures now openly positioning themselves for the coalition’s top ticket, the opposition faces mounting pressure to balance individual ambitions with its pledge to unite behind a single candidate capable of mounting a formidable challenge against President William Ruto.
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