The emerging political engagement between Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi is being seen as a potential game changer that could either lead to a united opposition front or the formation of rival groups.
Analysts say the engagement can lead to a broader agreement that brings together Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua of People's Liberation Party (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa of Democratic Action Party-Kenya, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro of People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) and Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi.
Alternatively, it could end up triggering the emergence of rival opposition coalitions competing against each other if the leaders fail to reconcile personal ambitions, party identities and regional political interests.
Some of the fights within the opposition are regional supremacy battles, with leaders seeking to stamp their authority. In Mt Kenya, for instance, DCP is flexing its muscles against the Jubilee Party of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr Nyoro’s PPK, Ms Karua’s PLP, and other opposition parties in the region.
The broader opposition is experiencing major fault lines over when and how to settle on the presidential ticket, resulting in what appear to be three political axes.
In the first axis are Mr Musyoka, Mr Muturi and Mr Wamalwa, who have been holding joint rallies in the last couple of months. Dr Matiang’i, Mr Nyoro and Ms Karua have also started campaigning as a team, forming the second axis. Now, Mr Gachagua and Mr Sifuna are said to be planning joint rallies in the near future, making theirs the third axis.
The rebranding of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition as The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) by Mr Musyoka has emerged as a point of controversy after some of the principals rejected it as the opposition’s possible 2027 election vehicle. For some of the opposition leaders, Ukombozi is seen as Mr Musyoka’s brainchild.
There is also a feeling that the former vice-president already has an upper hand within the outfit. Some of the individuals who have publicly endorsed him as their preferred pick for the opposition ticket are senior members of the coalition.
DCP party Leader Rigathi Gachagua met with Linda Mwananchi Party leb by leader Edwin Sifuna at his Wamunyoro residence.
Photo credit: Pool
Further divisions have also emerged on how to mobilise support against President William Ruto. Some, including Mr Musyoka and Mr Muturi, have been pushing for the naming of the opposition candidate early enough, while Mr Gachagua and Mr Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi have been pushing opposition leaders to transform their individual bases into a united national movement against Kenya Kwanza.
For now, the biggest challenge for the opposition is not just finding a presidential candidate capable of challenging Dr Ruto, but also agreeing on a nomination process that will convince the other aspirants to rally behind the eventual winner.
Mr Muturi told the Nation that the opposition is aware of the challenges it faces in picking a presidential candidate.
“Coalition building is never easy anywhere and we don’t expect it to be a walk in the park here in Kenya. We remain committed and ready to surmount whatever challenges we meet on the way,” said Mr Muturi.
He added: “The unifying factor is the desire to remove Ruto from office and restore constitutional order, good governance and the rule of law. Of course we want to remove him democratically through the ballot.”
Mr Nyoro also allayed fears that the opposition leaders were pulling in different directions. He said the opposition is not holding parallel campaigns or are in factions, but are working towards a common goal using different means.
“We are united as opposition and you can see we even had a joint rally where Martha Karua joined us. We are not divided but united with a common goal of removing President Ruto from power,” said Mr Nyoro.
Asked about his take on when to name a presidential candidate, the lawmaker said the process is not something to be rushed as there are a lot of factors to be considered.
“We cannot rush naming the presidential candidate. We will take our time. However, what I am sure of is that even if we all run for president, we will still remove President Ruto from power but it will be by lunch time. But if we remain united and front a single presidential candidate, he will not even have breakfast that day as the president,” he said.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua(right), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and DCP Secretary-General designate John Methu in Wamunyoro.
Photo credit: Pool
On Tuesday, Mr Sifuna made a surprise visit to Mr Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri, where the leaders explored a working arrangement aimed at ensuring a united front against President Ruto at the ballot.
“We held a candid and constructive discussion on the liberation of our country and the formation of the sixth administration,” said Mr Gachagua after the meeting.
“Wamunyoro has long been a venue for consequential political consultations and deliberations that have helped shape a brighter future for our great country,” he added.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, a close ally of Mr Sifuna, said the meeting between the two leaders signalled opposition unity.
“The only way to defeat this government is unity and the numbers behind the two leaders show that this election will be won in round one. More discussions will be held about this unity as we also look to bring votes from other regions,” said Mr Natembeya.
The governor, who is the coordinating chairperson of the opposition in Western Kenya, said the immediate brief for the opposition is to mobilise support bases ahead of the election.
“Both camps have been strengthening their political bases and at the right time those who are doubting that the opposition will be united will be shocked to see that we have a candidate who will work well and lead this country to greatness,” said Mr Natembeya.
DCP party Leader Rigathi Gachagua met with Linda Mwananchi Party leader Edwin Sifuna at his Wamunyoro residence.
Photo credit: Pool
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, a close ally of Mr Musyoka, downplayed the possible emergence of three formations, saying the opposition will soon start having joint rallies.
“Very soon you will see rallies bringing together all principals of the alternative government. Sooner than later, you will see leaders from Wiper, DCP, Linda Mwananchi, DAP-K, DP and other affiliated parties addressing joint rallies,” said Mr Wambua.
However, Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni cited mistrust, backstabbing and betrayal as some of the major challenges facing the opposition. He said the opposition risk fragmenting further if the leaders fail to be honest about their 2027 plans.
“There are so many issues to be addressed. Some people have the ability to make the country move forward, but lack the ability to mobilise votes. Others have the ability to mobilise the votes, but Kenyans can’t trust them to lead,” he said.
In Mt Kenya, the emergence of multiple political parties within the opposition has strained relationships, with leaders quietly scheming against each other. Some of the politicians are reportedly using the mole tag to discredit their colleagues seen as a threat to their personal interests.
Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua (left) Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a past function in Nairobi.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
At the heart of the fight is the desire by the individual outfits to secure a majority of elective seats and gain control of the region, which has traditionally held considerable sway in national politics.
Apart from DCP, Jubilee, PLP and DP, Peter Munya’s Party of National Unity and the Devolution Empowerment Party of Lenny Kivuti are also fighting for a slice of the region’s votes.
But it is Mr Nyoro who seems to have rattled DCP. Mr Nyoro unveiled his PPK on August 17 and has hit the ground running, seeking to consolidate support both in the Mt Kenya region and across the country.
Mr Nyoro has since become a target of DCP, with some of its leaders questioning his loyalty. Nyandarua Senator John Methu, for example, has labelled the party a “green wheelbarrow” , linking it with President Ruto’s UDA.
“We have no time to respond to juvenile and childish attacks and lies. Let the one sending them say a thing directly and we will respond accordingly,” Mr Nyoro said, in a statement suggesting that Mr Methu was being used by a senior opposition politician to discredit him.
While in Kajiado last week, Mr Nyoro said those fighting him are scared of his growing political influence. “We are telling you, while in opposition, reduce your anger, envy and jealousy. We as opposition are united,” Mr Nyoro said.
