Speaking during a church service at Miharati PCEA Church in Nyandarua County, Gachagua emphasized that opposition leaders had agreed to rally behind whichever candidate the coalition settles on, saying unity is the only path to defeating Ruto.

“How I wish they choose me, I will ensure Kasongo (President Ruto) is a one term president and goes home very early in the morning on the election D-Day,” Gachagua said. “If it’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Dr. Fred Matiangi, or Eugene Wamalwa, we shall all rally behind him or her to make sure Ruto goes home.”

The former Deputy President also moved to calm concerns about cracks within the opposition after DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala publicly opposed the appointment of Mukhisa Kituyi as the coalition’s spokesperson.

Gachagua revealed that Malala preferred young leaders to occupy all top positions, but the Secretariat endorsed Dr. Kituyi because of his vast political and diplomatic experience, which they believe is vital in steering the opposition’s agenda.

“We decided Mukhisa Kituyi to be there so that he can help us with his vast experience. But my deputy Cleophas Malala, a brave young man, is helping me and he is a good man but I saw he is worried that we put the old man in that role, he only needs Genzs na Millenials, no way,” Gachagua said.

“At the Secretariat he has a lot of GenZs and Millennials, and they are doing a wonderful job. And we have hope and faith in young people, but we must look for older people with experience and wisdom to mentor and guide them.”

On September 5, after coalition leaders announced plans to formalize the United Opposition ahead of the November by-elections, Malala renewed his criticism of Kituyi’s appointment. He argued that the coalition needed a spokesperson with fresh energy and a forward-thinking approach.

“The United Opposition must embrace youthful, dynamic leadership to move the country forward. Unfortunately, Kituyi does not represent that vision,” Malala said.

His dissatisfaction became clearer when he skipped a key coalition meeting in Nairobi.

Malala went further, declaring that the DCP would front its own candidate in the Mbeere North by-election, even as other coalition members pushed for a joint DCP–DAP-Kenya ticket.

Despite the apparent friction, Gachagua insisted that the opposition remains solid, striking a balance between youthful energy and seasoned leadership, as it builds momentum towards the 2027 elections.