Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that securing the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party nomination certificate effectively guarantees victory in any elective seat.

Speaking while unveiling the DCP candidate for Ol Kalou by-election, at the party headquarters, Nairobi, on May 12, 2026, Gachagua argued that party nominations are often a decisive stage in Kenya’s electoral process, suggesting that the eventual general election outcome largely follows party endorsement.

Gachagua stated that for all the DCP members who have secured the party certificate after being nominated, they are likely to win the elections.

“The DCP nominations, once you get the certificate, you are the next Member of Parliament, Senator or Governor for that particular matter,” Gachagua said.

Ensuring voter turnout

The DCP leader added that once the members get the certificate, his main focus will be to give them a voter turnout to ensure a win. He stated that the candidates will only give the party and him the voters for the presidential votes.

“All that is remaining that I will ask you to give me with the party is the voter turnout for the presidential vote, yours will be done because you do not need many votes. Once you get our ticket, the work I will give you is voter turnout,” Gachagua said.

He went on to reference past elections to support his argument, pointing to former President Mwai Kibaki’s 2007 re-election, which he claimed was secured with an overwhelming margin.

He stated that for him to get a win for the general election, he will have to convince Kenyans to ensure a 98 per cent voter turnout, citing Kibaki’s win, which he won because of having only two voting blocks.

“In 2007, Kibaki won by 97% of voter turnout against William Ruto’s 41 against 1. Mwai Kibaki won the elections by having only two voting blocks; Mount Kenya and the voter turnout, the second block was the voter turnout,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua’s 2027 presidential bid

This comes days after Gachagua revealed that the DCP has encouraged him to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, signalling growing political momentum around his expected bid.

Speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a church service in Kajiado, Gachagua sought to calm speculation over divisions in the opposition, saying Kenyans should not be worried about his presidential ambitions.

He insisted that his political aspirations would not fracture the opposition, adding that leaders in the coalition were working toward unity ahead of the next polls.

“Wanachama wa DCP wamenihimiza kuwania urais mwaka wa 2027, na niko tayari kwa hilo. Hata hivyo, nataka kuwahakikishia Wakenya kuwa azma yangu haitagawanya upinzani, sisi ni wengi na tutaendelea kushirikiana,” Gachagua stated.