Editor's Review

Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans to draw inspiration from Malawi’s recent presidential election, in which President Lazarus Chakwera was defeated by Peter Mutharika.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Kenyans to take lessons from Malawi’s recently concluded presidential election, in which President Lazarus Chakwera was defeated by Peter Mutharika.

In a statement on Thursday, September 25, Gachagua urged Kenyans to draw inspiration from Malawi and reject fear, cynicism, and hopelessness.

“I call on the people of the Republic of Kenya to draw strength from Malawi's courage and exercise of sovereign power. Just like our Malawian brothers and sisters, we must reject fear and cynicism, reject hopelessness, and reclaim our future through democratic means,” said Gachagua.

The DCP party leader congratulated Mutharika, saying his victory is a significant milestone and too consequential in the history of future African elections to be ignored.

“Malawi has reminded us that African citizens are awake. They see. They feel. They think. They act. Kenya is equally watching, ahead of the 2027 General Elections, and Kenyans are wise people," Gachagua stated. 

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Collage photo of Lazarus Chakwera and Malawian President-elect Peter Mutharika.

Further, the former DP commended President Chakwera for conceding defeat and congratulating Mutharika.

“Presidential Chakwera, you have exhibited great maturity for conceding defeat and calling President-Elect Prof. Mutharika and congratulating him,” Gachagua added.

Mutharika, who served as the Malawian President from 2014 to 2020, made a comeback in the general election held on September 16, 2025.

The 85-year-old garnered 57 percent of the vote while his long-time rival, President Chakwera, trailed with 33 percent.

On Wednesday, President Chakwera conceded defeat and congratulated Mutharika for winning the presidential election.

President Chakwera also pledged to ensure a peaceful transition of power to his successor following the defeat.

"I called Prof Mutharika to congratulate him on this historic win. I know that for the majority of you who voted, this outcome is a reflection of your collective will to have a change of government, and so it is only right for you to concede defeat out of respect for your will as citizens,” said Chakwera.