Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized media outlets on December 3, 2025, for allegedly misreporting his comments on opposition prospects in Nairobi. He clarified that his statements referred to a united opposition coalition, not solely his Democratic Congress Party. The remarks followed a Thanksgiving ceremony on November 30 amid reports of clashes.
Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's former deputy president, addressed supporters during an event unveiling newly elected Members of County Assembly on December 3, 2025. He targeted Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo, claiming a report from November 30 distorted events at a church ceremony in Kariobangi North.
Gachagua described how intruders disrupted the thanksgiving service for a new MCA, only to return with police support, leading to teargas being deployed inside the church. "Stephen Letoo filed a very biased report on Sunday. And you were personally there. Criminals attacked us in church and were driven away by church members," he said. He rejected Letoo's portrayal of police as mere separators of fighting groups, calling it a falsehood.
Central to his grievance was the media's handling of his predictions for Nairobi's political landscape. Gachagua stated that the opposition, including his DCP in alliance with Wiper and others, could secure 16 of 17 parliamentary seats and up to 90% of MCA positions, based on voting patterns and party loyalty. "I want to ask the media to be responsible and to stop open bias," he urged, insisting the seats belong to the broader United Opposition.
He dismissed narratives suggesting DCP candidates would exclusively represent one community, emphasizing fair nominations open to all Kenyans. Gachagua reaffirmed opposition unity, rejecting attempts to sow discord. "We are very strong partners. Let nobody try to make me feel that I am committing any political crime by marketing my party. That is my job."
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed these sentiments on November 30, denying any deal to cede Nairobi seats to DCP and accusing media of propaganda aimed at fracturing the coalition. "Stop this propaganda that Wiper has left all the seats in Nairobi for DCP. They have to try everything to create tensions between us," Musyoka said. Gachagua warned that biased reporting aids President William Ruto's administration.