Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has emerged as a central figure in the latest opposition unity bid, with reports revealing his behind-the-scene shuttle diplomacy to thaw growing political tension within the camp.
Nation has established that Mr Musyoka was last week engaged in firefighting to end a public war of words between Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on one side and Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Party boss Justin Muturi on the other hand.
He has also been involved in handling the perceived political tension between Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) leader Edwin Sifuna and Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) Eugene Wamalwa.
Mr Musyoka and Mr Gachagua on Sunday disclosed holding a meeting with Dr Matiang’i after a week characterized with bitter political exchanges within the opposition. Another meeting by the three leaders was held last Monday, according to their allies.
The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA) Secretary-General Caroli Omondi confirmed the Monday meeting. He said the three leaders met before Mr Musyoka and Dr Matiang’i attended another meeting by the alliance.
Mr Musyoka occupies one of the most consequential positions in the opposition’s 2027 calculations, both as a key mobiliser and consensus-builder. It is only Mr Musyoka who enjoys a cordial relationship with all the opposition principals.
He held a joint rally with Mr Gachagua on Sunday in Kitengela just days after having a three-day tour of Nyanza in the company of Mr Wamalwa and Mr Muturi.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua told the Nation that the opposition would soon begin holding joint rallies as the formation pursues a joint presidential ticket.
Democratic Party Leader Justine Muturie and his Wiper Patriotic Front counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka during a rally in Homa Bay Town on November 6, 2026.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
“Very soon you will see rallies bringing together all principals of the alternative government. Sooner or later you will see leaders from Wiper, DCP, Linda Mwananchi, DAP-K, DP and other affiliated parties addressing joint rallies,” said Mr Wambua.
Signs of reconciliation played out on Sunday when Dr Matiang’i and People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro presented a donation by Mr Gachagua at St John Paul Catholic church in Naromoru, Nyeri County.
Mr Gachagua has been at loggerheads with Mr Nyoro since he unveiled PPK, labelling the outfit as a ‘small wheelbarrow’ in an attempt to link him with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The former DP also recently described Dr Matiang’i as a lazy politician not ready to go out and hunt for votes.
But on Sunday, Mr Nyoro said he had had consultations with Mr Gachagua and expressed his commitment to the opposition unity. Mr Gachagua also sent his contribution for a fundraiser attended by the leaders.
“My friend and senior Rigathi Gachagua has sent me with his donation. We want to be like brothers,” said Mr Nyoro.
“Our commitment is to the people of Kenya, and we will not let you down. We will make sure we come up with one candidate who will face Ruto. We cannot afford to go for the second round in 2027, and we want a first round victory,” the Kiharu MP added.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee's Fred Matiang'i and Wiper Patriotic Front's Kalonzo Musyoka.
Photo credit: Pool
Dr Matiang’i also told the congregants that he talked with Mr Gachagua before going for the church service.
“We talked to him and told him that we are going somewhere close to your home,” said the former Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Dr Matiangi said the opposition had come up with a strategy to hold separate rallies across the country, after which “the team will converge and form a huge movement to liberate our country.”
Addressing a joint rally dubbed the Ukombozi Rally in Kitengela town, Kajiado County, Mr Musyoka said the opposition had no option but to unite to remove President Ruto from power in the 2027 polls.
He described the said meeting with Dr Matiang’i as a move to strengthen opposition unity ahead of the elections.
"Rigathi Gachagua’s move for a meeting with our brother Fred Matiang’i this morning is a sign we are committed to a United Opposition. We have no option but to unite to send Ruto home in a constitutional way," said Mr Musyoka.
Mr Gachagua said there was no division within the opposition, insisting that all principals were committed to the common cause of dislodging President Ruto from power in the forthcoming General Election.
He said he had met Mr Musyoka Dr Matiang’i for breakfast on Sunday morning and had also spoken to People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua on the phone over opposition unity.
Linda Mwananchi Movement leader Edwin Sifuna is also committed to the cause, he said. He accused President Ruto of fueling divisions within the opposition for political gain.
"I met with Fred Matiangi this morning, and he is committed. I’m aware President Ruto and his allies are planning, in their tour in Kisii today (Sunday to fuel a division between myself and Matiang’i for their selfish political moves, but they will not succeed," said Mr Gachagua.
"What you see in opposition is sibling rivalry in a polygamous family that will not disintegrate us. The tension is being fueled by different parties’ overzealous supporters and social media influencers. Principals must be careful lest we lose the cause," he added.
