The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has downplayed the role of social media and behind-the-scenes meetings in shaping Kenya’s political leadership, insisting that the presidency is only attained through direct grassroots mobilisation.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking on Friday during the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) unveiling of candidates for the upcoming November 27 by-elections, Gachagua stressed that political success requires constant engagement with citizens rather than closed-door strategies.
“Presidents are made in the field, not in boardrooms. I have helped deliver two Presidents for this country, and I know it takes direct mobilisation to inspire people. Voters remember leaders who speak to them meaningfully, not those relying on theories or optics,” he said.
The ex-DP criticised what he termed as overreliance on online platforms, saying that posting politicians’ photos on social media cannot translate into winning the presidency. Instead, he urged leaders to use digital spaces only to complement their on-the-ground efforts.
“You cannot become President by simply trending online. You must connect with Kenyans physically, mobilise numbers, and inspire confidence. The relevance of online space is to show people where you are on the ground,” he remarked.
Gachagua challenged DCP aspirants to embrace the party’s slogan Skiza Wakenya (Listen to Kenyans), urging them to prioritise face-to-face interactions and pay attention to the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
His remarks come at a time when social media has become a central tool for political messaging and branding, but he maintained that genuine leadership is built through grassroots connections.
“The only formula for winning elections is being on the ground with the people,” he reiterated.
