Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Rigathi Gachagua has clarified the opposition's elaborate plan to take over Nairobi's elective seats in the upcoming general elections at the expense of the ruling Kenya Kwanza government.
Gachagua spoke on Sunday, December 7 at the Christ Dominion Ministries in Kasarani, where he dismissed initial claims that there was a battle for supremacy in Nairobi between some factions within the opposition.
According to Gachagua, the opposition would remain united, and part of their strategy would be to back their allies in areas where they are politically dominant.
Gachagua also subtly conceded that other vehicles within the opposition were stronger than his fairly new party, as far as Nairobi politics is concerned.
"In Nairobi, Wiper has had a big name. They've always helped ODM. There is no way we will have friendly fire. So where Wiper is strong, we will support Wiper. Where DCP is strong, we will request wiper to support DCP," the former DP said.
While describing Kalonzo as a "truthful man", Gachagua further stated that Kalonzo would be tasked with steering opposition politics in the city.
"We want the face of Kenya in Nairobi, and we don't want ODM to be left behind. We are depending in Kalonzo to plan for Nairobi because he has experience. That will be his job," Gachagua added.
Gachagua's clarification comes on the back of initial reports that there was an agreement to have his party control of all the Nairobi top seats, including gubernatorial and senatorial seats in 2027.
Kalonzo had earlier dismissed the claims as propaganda, with Gachagua now extending an invitation to unsettled members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to jump ship and liaise with the opposition.
On Sunday, the former DP openly extended an invitation to ODM, insisting that the opposition was ready to collaborate with them ahead of the next general elections.
"And we are not secluding ODM, If ODM joins UDA, they will be lost; they don't have to sit next to me. They can support Kalonzo, who supports them. We want a democratic face of Kenya in Nairobi," Gachagua said.
As far as a presidential candidate, Gachagua dismissed chances of cracks emerging, insisting the opposition was still in the deliberating stage and a flag-bearer to take on President William Ruto would be unveiled in due time.
