Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i against relying on established political parties, warning that powerful figures who once worked with him could derail his political ambitions.

Speaking during an interview on Kameme FM on Monday, January 13, 2026, Gachagua said Matiang’i risks losing direction unless he forms his own political party to firmly control his base and discipline his supporters.

The remarks were made after Kameme FM presenter Gatonye Wambugua asked Gachagua to respond to earlier advice to Matiang’i to engage in politics through his own party, advice that Matiang’i did not take. Gachagua used the opportunity to explain why he believes party ownership is critical in Kenyan politics and why Matiang’i should be wary of allies who previously worked under him but are now active in the Jubilee Party.

Gachagua first addressed why he felt it was necessary to advise Matiang’i to form a party and consolidate his political base.

“For me, I don’t know because I had given him advice, and it is not a must that he does what I tell him. I had told him to make a political party so that he could consolidate his political base. A way to bring discipline to any region is by making a political party, or else people will disrespect you. For instance, ODM is saying they can’t support him because he is using a Kikuyu party (Jubilee),” Gachagua stated.

DCP relation with Jubilee

He then clarified his position on political parties and dismissed claims that he is hostile to Jubilee or other parties.

“I want to state that Riggy G is not hating any political party. It is because I cannot market others’ political parties. Let them hold their parties. Nobody will ask them. If it is the Jubilee Party, let them market their party,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua went on to explain why he believes some political actors within Jubilee cannot be trusted, linking them to President William Ruto’s camp and accusing them of remaining silent when retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was under attack.

Gachagua on his loyalty to Uhuru

“There is no cold war between DCP and other parties, including Jubilee. What is happening is that there are Ruto’s men hiding in the Jubilee Party. For instance, when Uhuru Kenyatta got attacks from Ruto’s men in the ODM, these men in the Jubilee Party were in loud silence. Nobody spoke until I spoke myself,” he stated.

He said his loyalty to Uhuru Kenyatta remains firm and insisted that he would not stay silent when the retired president is attacked.

“My work is to defend Uhuru from external attacks. For instance, I can’t be saying I am protecting the community and watch and see Uhuru getting vilified by those close to Ruto when I am quiet. I will continue to defend him because Uhuru retired, he is a good man and not a single day I will sit and watch, and people continue to disrespect our son,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua ended his remarks with a direct warning to Matiang’i, urging him to rethink the people he is working with if he hopes to succeed politically.

“Let me tell Matiang’i, those people were in my camp. If he wants to go far, he should think about them. I know them, and if he continues with them, he will go nowhere,” he concluded.