Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed the political partnership between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), arguing that the alliance will not guarantee victory for the President in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, June 3, 2026, Gachagua said that the United Alternative Government coalition would have an easier task unseating President Ruto if the head of state is relying on ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga as his chief campaigner ahead of the next election.

“We have no problem, and we shall accept the election outcomes in 2027. I heard Oburu saying that he wouldn’t work with me. We have an easy task if Oburu Odinga is William Ruto’s chief campaigner,” Gachagua said.

The former deputy president has downplayed the significance of the growing cooperation between UDA and ODM, insisting that Kenyans are more concerned about the country’s economic challenges and governance issues than political realignments.

According to Gachagua, the opposition is in the process of forming a formidable coalition that will offer Kenyans an alternative leadership platform in 2027. He argued that the political goodwill enjoyed by the current administration has diminished and that voters will ultimately judge leaders based on their performance.

Gachagua calls for calm

At the same time, Gachagua called for patience and unity among supporters of the United Alternative Government regarding the selection of a presidential flagbearer for the 2027 elections. He cautioned against rushing to name the coalition’s candidate, saying doing so prematurely could allow President Ruto to strategise against the opposition.

Gachagua said the coalition’s leaders are focused on strengthening their movement and expanding their support base before settling on a candidate to challenge the president. He maintained that the opposition’s priority should be unity rather than internal competition over leadership positions.

“We should remain calm on the issue of the flag bearer. Naming a candidate too early will give William Ruto time to plan against the opposition. The most important thing now is to unite Kenyans and build a strong coalition,” he said.

The DCP leader maintained that the United Alternative Government remains confident of defeating President Ruto regardless of the alliances formed by the ruling coalition. He expressed optimism that a united opposition front would present a formidable challenge in the next general election.