NAIROBI, Kenya — Fresh divisions have surfaced within Kenya’s opposition after a section of Mt Kenya political leaders publicly accused Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua of attempting to sideline established regional parties, exposing the delicate political balancing act behind efforts to unite against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Leaders from the Democratic Party (DP), Party of National Unity (PNU) and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) rejected what they described as attempts to pressure affiliate parties into dissolving and joining Gachagua’s newly formed DCP.
The dispute comes at a critical moment as opposition leaders intensify negotiations to build a broad political alliance capable of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition in the next election.
Speaking during a joint appearance, DP leader Justin Muturi questioned why Gachagua had publicly urged other parties to fold into DCP without consulting their leadership.
“Why are you telling other parties to dissolve and join DCP? You only formed your party recently, yet these parties have existed for years. What makes you think they should abandon their identities?” Muturi asked.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, who leads PNU, also dismissed suggestions that Gachagua had become the political spokesman for the Mt Kenya region.
“We reject any impression that Gachagua has been appointed or mandated to speak on behalf of all the people or all political parties associated with Mt Kenya,” Munya said.
DEP leader Lenny Kivuti defended the public criticism, arguing that coalition partners should openly discuss disagreements instead of suppressing them.
“We are part of the united opposition. Why should we keep quiet until we meet behind closed doors? We have a responsibility to raise issues publicly,” he said.
The disagreement emerged only hours after the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party authorised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to spearhead efforts to unite opposition parties under a new coalition.
Following the meeting, Kalonzo hosted Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa, leader of Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K), at his Karen residence for consultations aimed at accelerating coalition-building.
Kalonzo described the talks as part of a wider effort to consolidate opposition forces ahead of 2027.
“It was a continuation of what we started yesterday. I have been given the mandate to reach out so that we can fast-track the formation of this new coalition. Kenyans are waiting for it, and we do not have time to waste,” he said.
Wamalwa said the discussions focused on creating a credible alternative capable of challenging the Kenya Kwanza administration.
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The public disagreement illustrates the political complexities facing opposition leaders as they attempt to build a united front while preserving the identities and influence of individual parties.
Mt Kenya remains one of Kenya’s most influential voting blocs, making control of the region’s political direction crucial to opposition strategy.
While Gachagua has positioned DCP as a major political vehicle within the region following his fallout with President Ruto, several long-established parties insist that coalition-building must be based on partnership rather than absorption.
Political analysts say the dispute highlights the competing ambitions that often emerge during coalition negotiations, with regional influence, party identity and leadership roles expected to dominate discussions in the months ahead.
Despite the differences, opposition leaders continue to insist that negotiations remain on course, with Kalonzo expected to continue consultations aimed at unveiling a broader alliance before the 2027 General Election.
