Political analyst Herman Manyora has stated that despite former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua having significant influence in his Mt Kenya backyard, the community are yet to view him as presidential material.

Speaking during an interview on his channel on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Manyora noted that Gachagua may have both influence and numbers, and that anyone seeking an easier ride in the next elections would have to seek his support. However, despite this, the former DP, according to Manyora, has not convinced Kenyans that he is the most suitable for the presidency.

“As much as he is the de facto leader, the head of the opposition, the engine of opposition, and the man without whose support nobody can go anywhere, the people of this country, even his people from Mt Kenya, are yet to see him as presidential material.” He stated.

He further observed that although Gachagua is seen as the de facto leader of the opposition and even considered the opposition’s engine, he lacks the stature and image of someone capable of leading the country.

“We know that Rigathi Gachagua is the de facto leader of the opposition, and that is a fact you can’t deny. Even in opposition, they know it.”

Manyora added that there is a general consensus among Kenyans who, according to him, feel that the Mt Kenya region should not field a presidential candidate in the next polls.

“Further compounded by the fact that there is a consensus sought that this time round, Mt Kenya again should not produce a presidential candidate.”

United opposition

This comes at a time when the united opposition leaders are scratching their heads on who to front in order to face President William Ruto, who will be seeking his second term.

Gachagua, on his part, has made it clear in the past that they will all support one candidate whom they will agree to be the flagbearer, even urging his community to vote for any leader selected by the opposition to face Ruto in the elections.

The team has been doing a series of meetings, with the most recent one seeing them appoint former UNCTAD chair Mukhisa Kituyi as their team’s head of secretariat and spokesman. A move that saw DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala come out to protest the move but later softened his stance after advice from his party leader.