The opposition is once again facing renewed internal rivalries after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua suggested a three-bloc alliance that brings together his party, the Linda Mwananchi Movement and the Wiper Patriotic Front.
His proposal appears to downplay the influence of other opposition leaders, including Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua of People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, Ndindi Nyoro of People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) and Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) leader Justin Muturi in the formation’s broader 2027 political equation.
And in an escalation of what seems to be growing mistrust and conflicting interests, Dr Matiang’i and Mr Muturi have openly accused Mr Gachagua of “bullying and arrogance”. The two leaders said Mr Gachagua’s language risks fragmenting the opposition to the advantage of President William Ruto.
With 2027 barely 10 months away, the opposition is witnessing growing political tension that, if not managed, could see its members go their separate ways. At the heart of the disagreement is the feeling by some opposition principals that their ethnic blocs are numerically superior.
There is also the fight for regional political bases. Some of the principals are out to protect their individual political territories, and in the process are fighting partner parties operating within the same space.
In an interview on Inooro TV , Mr Gachagua said an outfit that brings together himself, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Mr Kalonzo Musyoka would beat President Ruto.
DCP party Leader Rigathi Gachagua (right) welcomes Linda Mwananchi Party leader Edwin Sifuna to his Wamunyoro residence.
Photo credit: Pool
“I did my own research and found that this young man called Sifuna has been well received in his backyard. When Kijana Wamalwa united with Mwai Kibaki in 2002, we won,” said Mr Gachagua. “Between me, Sifuna, Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka, the election is done. Even if we fail to get others ... but I believe we shall get them because they are there.”
He said he was capable of delivering about 10 million votes, while Mr Sifuna and Mr Musyoka would bring four million and three million votes, respectively.
Wiper Democratic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua at Gachagua's WAmunyoro residence in Nyeri County on October 26, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
In a separate interview on NTV, Dr Matiang’i said Mr Gachagua’s language of arrogance and ethnic balkanisation risks splitting the opposition in the run-up to the polls.
“That majoritarian arrogance and that particular pride is precisely what is going to split the opposition and make it very difficult for the opposition to come together,” said Dr Matiang’i in an interview with Ibrahim Karanja on Sunday night.
Jubilee Presidential hopeful Dr Fred Matiang'i in Borabu, Nyamira County on April 24, 2026.
Photo credit: Ruth Mbula | Nation Media Group
“The leadership and the future of our country is not a matter to be decided on ethnic balkanisation. It ought to be decided on the basis of capacity, not community. It is a matter of content of character, not cultural connections,” he added.
The growing internal rivalries are also fuelled by mistrust and alleged infiltration. Mr Gachagua and his allies have repeatedly accused some of the opposition principals of being moles and agents of the State.
DCP has particularly singled out Mr Nyoro and Mr Matiang’i. Observers, however, note that the fight is more about control of the Mt Kenya support base. Both Jubilee and PPK are seen as threats to DCP dominance in the area.
Apart from the supremacy fights, the opposition is also facing competing interests in settling on a single presidential candidate. Agreeing on who should face Dr Ruto remains the camp’s major challenge since most of its top leaders have national ambitions.
Mr Muturi, in a statement yesterday, called out Mr Gachagua for “political bullying” and double-speak.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
“Mr Gachagua must understand one fundamental truth: No Kenyan president has ever been made by one community alone. The presidency is won through national consensus, strategic alliances and the ability to unite Kenyans across ethnic and regional boundaries,” said Mr Muturi.
He also questioned the DCP leader’s commitment to the “collective presidential ambition of the Wantam [movement]”.
“His persistent attempts to undermine established cooperation and his insistence on tripartite political arrangements risk creating the impression that he is preparing for post-election political bargaining rather than prioritising the ultimate prize: State House,” said Mr Muturi.
“Those of us who have spent years in the trenches of Kenyan politics understand that building a winning national coalition requires compromise, maturity and strategic thinking. A tripartite arrangement is not a magic formula for State House,” he added.
He said the opposition alliance has to be built on mutual respect, not ultimatums, political bullying or supremacy contests. He added that presidential politics cannot be reduced to ethnic arithmetic, regional strongholds or individual bargaining power.
“All these accusations flying around are intended to be exclusivist, malign other people, destroy their character and so on. It is based on the famous saying that if you want to kill a dog, give it a bad name,” Dr Matiang’i said.
Dr Matiang’i accused a section of opposition leaders of trying to push others out by closing the door despite being the newcomers in the opposition side.
However, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary said that if he will not be picked as the opposition flag bearer, he would be ready to support anyone who would be picked.
“Anyone picked through a process that is inclusive and acceptable to all of us, and we’ve sat down and agreed, in a respectful and inclusive manner, that has been agreed, I can say that I would back that candidate.”
Dr Matiang’i was among opposition principals who were not at the Linda Mwananchi launch last Friday. He has also not been hosted by Mr Gachagua at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri. Mr Sifuna, Mr Musyoka and Mr Wamalwa have all held consultative meetings with Mr Gachagua.
