People’s Liberation Party boss Martha Karua reads a joint opposition statement.
There’s a general consensus of a relative lull in the opposition politics since the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua, jetted out of the country about a month ago.
Supporting data compiled by the Daily Nation shows a trend of few, joint press conferences or public activities by the united opposition with far less visibility than before.
The former deputy president travelled to the United States on July 9. However, his communication team has kept the country informed of his itinerary and engagements during his tour of the US.
After the National Assembly and Senate impeached Mr Gachagua for grossly violating the Constitution, the vocal former District Officer earned the de facto position of opposition leader. This was easily aided by the vacuum left when ODM leader Raila Odinga joined forces with President William Ruto to form a broad-based government.
Although the likes of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and PLP leader Martha Karua have been involved for longer, Gachagua’s combative style has helped him to become the fulcrum of the opposition despite his limited experience.
Some observers say this may pose a challenge when it comes to possible power-sharing if they win the election.
Opposition leaders (from left) Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i and Rigathi Gachagua address the media in Kisumu on July 3, 2025.
The argument is that Mr Gachagua may demand a larger share of the arrangement if he is not president. A member of his inner circle has suggested that he could demand at least a 40 percent share of the government, leaving the other principals to share the rest. They argue he controls the voter basket of Central and as such deserve special treatment if he brings all that vote to the fold.
Prof Macharia Munene, a historian, says the DCP leader has positioned himself as an effective leader, and as such, his absence is easily noticeable.
"He is the government's most articulate and forceful critic. That makes him a leader of the opposition. Whether he is in Nairobi or somewhere else, he is relevant because people still receive information about what he says or doesn't say. He is the effective leader of the opposition at the moment,” says the lecturer.
"Overstatement"
However, the professor quickly points out that to assert that there cannot be an effective opposition without Mr Gachagua would be an overstatement of his position in the nation’s politics.
‘I think too much credit is being given to him for the fact that the country is calm while he is away. He is not responsible for the chaos, confusion and abductions in the country. I think his opponents have just found a way to claim credit for things and blame him for problems. But really, the calmness has nothing to do with Gachagua being away.”
Between February and August 2025, the former deputy president's political activities spanned multiple counties.
His allies have made a feeble attempt to keep the fire burning, but this has often been met with strong-armed tactics by the State. People like Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara have been arrested on charges including incitement.
He repeatedly hosted strategy meetings at his home in Wamunyoro, Nyeri, often with allies and community representatives. He also participated in nationwide rallies, church visits and press briefings. On May 15, in Nairobi's Lavington area, he launched the DCP to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
After the launch, the former DP undertook a series of whirlwind tours of the counties of Murang'a, Kiambu, Kakamega, Kitui, Makueni, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and the coast, often alongside Mr Musyoka. He popularised the DCP and criticised the government on issues such as corruption, electoral malpractice and the handling of the protests involving Generation Z.
He showed solidarity by suspending tours during protests, attending the funerals of victims and fundraising for schools and churches.
By late June, he claimed one remarkable victory charging that Meru, where the president had received overwhelming support in 2022, had turned against the Kenya Kwanza government.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa (left), flanked by fellow Opposition leaders, speaks to the media in Kisumu on July 3, 2025.
“The message from Muuna and Tseikuru is clear about the direction in which Kenya is heading. We, the team united by one purpose: to liberate our nation from recklessness and other ills, remain astutely committed to a better Kenya where no one is left behind,” said Mr Gachagua on May 29.
He was in Kitui, Mr Musyoka’s home county, during a joint rally.
He added: “The opposition coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to forming a united front ahead of the 2027 general election, vowing to agree on a single presidential candidate at the appropriate time.”
To be fair, Mr Musyoka has been in and out of court defending those arrested after demonstrations and pleading for their release. He has secured the release of a number of them.
On the other hand, DAP Party leader Eugene Wamalwa is embroiled in a fight for self-survival. His own deputy in the party, Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya, has vowed to replace him as party leader and the outcome could go either way. The Governor knows that becoming the party leader not only accords him the leverage to negotiate with other opposition leaders as a co-principal but also assures him of the party ticket when defending his position in the next elections.
Mr Gachagua has perfected Mr Odinga’s script from his heyday on the back benches. At one point, He claimed that his life was in danger. Then he appointed himself as a whistle-blower, acting as the ‘people’s watchman’ and sounding the alarm over this or that scandal – all things Raila was known for.
Some of his advisers say, in hushed tones, that should the courts rule that Parliament erred in removing him from office, thereby clearing the way for him to run for president, he will challenge Dr Ruto, either as the joint opposition candidate or as an independent.
As things stand, the impeachment tag hanging over his head like the sword of Damocles prevents the former Mathira MP from standing for election.
Mr Gachagua knows that he may not win the ultimate prize on his first attempt. However, his strategists say that his first priority is to solidify his foothold in the mountain as the kingpin, and second is to harvest as many MPs as possible through his DCP party.
He is targeting at least 100 MPs from the 290 constituencies, which would effectively make him a key player in the political arena and secure him a seat at the high table. That way, the next president may be forced to enter into a post-election pact with him or consult him from time to time to push their agenda in Parliament. The chess match has begun.
