Political analyst Herman Manyora has described former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s relentless criticism of President William Ruto as largely a political game, noting that the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader has focused more on attacks than on presenting a clear alternative manifesto.
Speaking in recent analyses, Manyora observed that Gachagua has sharpened his opposition rhetoric, accusing the Ruto administration of betrayal, broken hustler promises, corruption and failure to deliver for ordinary Kenyans, particularly in Mt Kenya.
Yet the analyst argued that sustained attacks alone do not amount to a coherent programme of government. Without a detailed, sellable manifesto outlining concrete policies on the economy, jobs, housing, cost of living and governance, Gachagua’s strategy risks remaining reactive rather than constructive.
Manyora framed the approach as classic opposition politics: keep the incumbent on the defensive, mobilise regional grievances and position oneself as the principal challenger ahead of 2027, while the hard work of offering voters a positive vision is deferred.
He suggested this mirrors tactics used by past opposition figures but warned that voters eventually demand substance beyond criticism.
Gachagua has launched DCP, pushed for six-piece voting in Mt Kenya and called for opposition unity to make Ruto a one-term president. Supporters see the attacks as necessary accountability after his impeachment.
Critics, however, echo Manyora’s point that continuous confrontation without a fully articulated alternative leaves a gap that the government can exploit.
As the 2027 race intensifies, the pressure is on Gachagua and other opposition leaders to move beyond exposing shortcomings and present a credible, detailed plan Kenyans can evaluate.