Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on fellow United Opposition leaders Justin Muturi and Fred Matiang’i, escalating political tensions within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a press briefing at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader dismissed accusations of political bullying, arrogance and chest-thumping levelled against him by some opposition leaders.

According to Citizen Digital, Gachagua maintained that his straightforward approach to political discussions should not be mistaken for arrogance, arguing that some of his colleagues were uncomfortable with his habit of telling them the truth.

The former Deputy President reportedly said that some opposition leaders had a problem with him simply because he openly expressed his opinions.

He particularly directed his criticism at Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, questioning his electoral influence and ability to mobilise voters in his own backyard.

As reported by The Star, Gachagua challenged Muturi to demonstrate his political strength at the polling station before positioning himself as a serious presidential contender.

He reportedly cited the Evurore MCA by-election, claiming that Muturi's party candidate secured only 35 votes against 238 garnered by President William Ruto's UDA candidate.

Gachagua questioned why Muturi would lecture him about electoral numbers when, according to his account, his party had struggled to attract voters in its home territory.

The former Deputy President also turned his attention to Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang'i.

According to The Standard, the disagreement follows concerns raised by Matiang'i over Gachagua's emphasis on ethnic voting blocs and regional political mobilisation.

Matiang'i has warned against approaches that could promote ethnic divisions and undermine efforts to establish a united opposition capable of competing nationally.

However, Gachagua defended his mobilisation strategy, revealing that his DCP party had conducted 27 political rallies since his recent trip to the United States.

He credited youthful party leaders, including Senator John Methu, with helping organise the grassroots activities.

In remarks reported by Kenyans.co.ke, Gachagua contrasted his party's rallies with what he described as the tendency of some opposition presidential hopefuls to conduct meetings in hotels and boardrooms instead of engaging ordinary voters.

The disagreement is also connected to Gachagua's proposed three-bloc political alliance involving Mount Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya.

Under the proposed arrangement, Gachagua would consolidate support in Mount Kenya, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka would mobilise Ukambani, while Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna would help strengthen the Western Kenya voting bloc.

Gachagua believes the arrangement could create a formidable political coalition capable of challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

However, the proposal has raised questions about how other opposition parties and presidential hopefuls would fit into the arrangement.

Daily Nation has also highlighted the wider challenges facing opposition leaders as they explore possible coalition arrangements, including questions of leadership, regional representation and the selection of a presidential candidate.

The latest exchange exposes growing differences within the United Opposition, with Gachagua defending regional political mobilisation while other leaders push for a more inclusive approach.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the disagreement involving Gachagua, Muturi, Matiang'i and Kalonzo could become a major test of the opposition's ability to agree on a common political strategy.