Why Kioni Says Gachagua Remains a Key Opposition Figure Despite Holding No DCP Office

Former Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni believes Rigathi Gachagua has become one of the opposition's most influential figures despite not holding an official position in the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

Speaking during a radio interview on Monday, June 29, Kioni said Gachagua has remained visible in opposition politics since leaving government.

He credited the former deputy president with helping coordinate political activities and expanding the opposition's reach across different parts of the country.

Kioni argued that leadership is not determined solely by party titles. In his view, political influence is earned through the ability to organise supporters, shape public debate and provide direction during periods of political change.

He noted that although Gachagua's name does not appear among DCP's registered officials, he has continued to play a prominent role in the party's activities. 

Kioni said his involvement has been evident during political meetings and public engagements held in various regions over recent months.

According to Kioni, Gachagua has successfully built on political structures that were already in place before the 2022 General Election. 

He said many of the grassroots networks created during President William Ruto's presidential campaign have remained active and gradually shifted towards Gachagua following changes within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Kioni explained that those networks were originally established to support Ruto's Hustler Movement and later became an important part of the Tangatanga political campaign. 

He argued that the same organisers and mobilisers continue to influence political activity in several counties today.

He said that existing support base has enabled Gachagua to remain politically relevant without relying on a formal party office. 

According to Kioni, consistent engagement with supporters has strengthened the former deputy president's standing within the opposition.

The Jubilee Party official also addressed the recurring debate over who should be regarded as the political leader of the Mt Kenya region. 

He dismissed suggestions that such a position exists in law, saying there is no constitutional office known as a regional kingpin.

Kioni said leadership changes naturally as political circumstances evolve and new leaders emerge. He maintained that public support, rather than declarations by politicians, ultimately determines who carries influence in any region.

Even so, he argued that former President Uhuru Kenyatta still commands significant attention whenever he appears in different parts of the country. 

According to Kioni, Uhuru continues to attract large audiences, reflecting the political weight he still carries years after leaving office.