Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua faced a public reality check on Wednesday night as COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli questioned his readiness to vie for the presidency in 2027.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Atwoli expressed skepticism about Gachagua’s ability to transform his regional influence into national leadership.
The veteran trade unionist highlighted what he described as contradictions in Gachagua’s political messaging.
“I am not seeing anybody who can be a frontrunner. I know all these characters, including their capacities. Gachagua speaks as if he was not in the system; everything he is criticizing, even those that he contributed to. Is he not the one who was singing about the bottom-up economy? Is he the one criticizing now? I can’t understand him. How can we help Gachagua?” Atwoli said.
While Atwoli acknowledged Gachagua’s administrative achievements, he questioned whether the former Deputy President possesses the political skill set necessary for the presidency.
“I am not trying to demean him; I know him as an accomplished administrator, but is he an accomplished politician? Saying he is a kingpin of Central Kenya—can he be a President?” he added.
Atwoli’s comments underscore the challenges Gachagua faces in appealing to voters beyond his Central Kenya stronghold.
Analysts note that his previous alignment with government initiatives, such as the bottom-up economic model, may conflict with his current criticisms, potentially complicating his national appeal.
As the 2027 elections approach, political observers say Gachagua will need to reconcile past positions with his present campaign messaging to gain credibility on the national stage.
Atwoli’s assessment adds weight to the ongoing debate over whether regional prominence can translate into a successful bid for State House.