Peter Munya and Rigathi Gachagua. [ Boniface Okendo, Kanyiri Wahito, Standard
You have accused Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua of using demeaning and condescending language against other opposition leaders. What exactly is your concern?
Our concern is that we all want to build a united opposition that can compete effectively in the 2027 General Election. Gachagua has done a lot in promoting opposition politics and exposing the failures of the current government, and I respect him for that. But there are serious weaknesses in the way he deals with other leaders. When you tell people they have no votes, that they should go and find people before coming to the table, or describe them as walking around like ants or sticks, that is demeaning. It does not create an environment in which opposition leaders can sit together and agree on how to move forward. I am asking him, respectfully, to tone down his language, stop the name-calling and embrace a more structured and inclusive approach.
You have described him as a bully. Is that not too strong?
I said he is a bully because of the manner in which he addresses other leaders. This is not something I say out of personal hatred. I have no personal problem with Gachagua. When he was Deputy President, I never quarreled with him. In fact, I was a good friend of his late brother. I visited his brother in hospital in the UK and represented governors during his funeral. So there is nothing personal here. We are talking about his conduct in politics and how it affects the wider opposition.
