By John Mutiso
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed allegations that he wants Nairobi leadership positions reserved exclusively for the Kikuyu community.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 3, the former Deputy President clarified his stance on the capital’s political future, insisting that his vision for Nairobi is inclusive of all ethnic communities.
Gachagua directly addressed media reports suggesting he had claimed Nairobi seats should go to Kikuyus, urging journalists to report accurately.
“You newspapers don’t twist. Saying that Riggy G wants the whole of Nairobi to go to Kikuyus. Just be professional and fair people. You have a responsibility to be truthful, don’t twist narratives,” he stated.
The DCP leader emphasized that his party’s approach to Nairobi politics is built on diversity and inclusivity across all key positions.
“All these seats belong to every tribe in Nairobi. Governor, Senator, Women Representative. We will mix all Kenyans so that we will be the face of Kenya,” Gachagua declared.
Gachagua outlined a strategic partnership approach with other opposition parties, particularly Wiper Democratic Movement, where parties would support each other based on regional strengths.
“When Wiper is strong, we support them; where DP is strong, we support them; where DCP is strong, they support us,” he explained.
The former Deputy President expressed confidence in the opposition’s prospects in Nairobi, citing historical electoral performance.
“I have looked at past performances, and I’m sure Nairobi is for the United Opposition 100%,” Gachagua said.
The clarification comes amid reports about the DCP’s coalition arrangements with the Wiper Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Last Sunday, during a thanksgiving service at P.C.E.A. Kariobangi North Berea Parish Church in Nairobi, Gachagua had outlined ambitious targets for the coalition, stating they aim to capture the governorship, senate seat, at least 16 out of 17 parliamentary seats, and 75 out of 85 ward seats in the capital.
“We have an agreement with the Wiper leader, who has previously supported ODM in Nairobi. The plan is for the Governor, Woman Representative, and Senator to be from DCP, while we aim, working with Wiper, to win at least 16 out of 17 parliamentary seats,” Gachagua had said.
However, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has moved to clarify the nature of the partnership, dismissing suggestions that his party has surrendered all Nairobi seats to DCP.
Speaking on Monday, Kalonzo described such claims as unfounded and designed to create friction between the two parties.
“Stop with the claims that the Wiper Party has left all the Nairobi seats to the Democracy of Citizens Party. Such narratives seem designed to create friction between Rigathi Gachagua and me,” he stated.
Kalonzo emphasized that cooperation does not mean surrendering political territory, adding that Wiper will engage in negotiations based on integrity and mutual respect.
