Gachagua refutes reports that Ruto is the preferred presidential candidate
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 4, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed findings from the Infotrak poll that President William Ruto is the most preferred presidential candidate.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri, Kiambu County, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Gachagua argued that the survey misrepresented public support and said his party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), is leading.
“Huyu Kasongo amekwama. Amefika mwisho. Amekataliwa Kisii, amekataliwa Western, amekataliwa Pwani, amekataliwa Nairobi, hapa mlima ndio balaa zaidi. Kila mahali amekwama. Anaona wengine watamtoroka. Sasa anafanya opinion poll ya uwongo,” Gachagua said.
He added that Ruto’s team was publishing fake opinion polls to portray him as leading.
“Sasa anafanya opinion poll ya uwongo. Ati ndiye anaongoza. Nyinyi mmezunguka Kenya. Huyu Kasongo kuna mahali ameongoza? Anaweka opinion poll ya chama chetu cha DCP, ambaye ndio chama iko na umaarufu katika Kenya. Sisi ndio tunaongoza Kenya, 28 per cent.”
Gachagua claimed that DCP, a party barely six months old, has gained significant ground across the country.
“Anasema ati sisi tuko na 5 per cent. Sisi tumeenda uchaguzi, tumeshinda kiti Narok. Chama mpya ya miezi sita. Tumekuja Nairobi Kariobangi tumeshinda kiti. Tumeenda Kakamega tumeshinda kiti. Huyu Kasongo anatengeneza opinion poll. UDA ndio iko 5 per cent, DCP iko 28, anapindua,” he said.
The Infotrak poll, conducted between December 19 and 20, 2025, reported that 28 per cent of Kenyans would vote to re-elect President Ruto, while DCP received only six per cent support. Gachagua strongly refuted these numbers, insisting that the party enjoys higher backing than the survey indicated.
Gachagua rules out direct nominations
During the service, Gachagua also addressed internal party matters, particularly the nomination process for aspiring candidates. He reiterated that DCP would not issue direct nomination tickets, stressing that all aspirants must compete in free and fair primaries.
“DCP will have free and fair nominations, and the election will end at the nominations,” he stated.
Gachagua added that even close allies would not receive preferential treatment, highlighting Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa as an example.
“The young person who wants to challenge Karungo should challenge him. Even though this Karungo is my friend, you will go to the nominations. If you beat him, I will give you the ticket,” he said.