Rigathi Gachagua faces criticism from opposition leaders over coalition unity.
Justin Muturi accuses Rigathi Gachagua of undermining coalition unity as opposition leaders prepare to name a joint presidential candidate.
Opposition divisions have deepened after Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi accused Rigathi Gachagua of political bullying and undermining coalition unity. Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i also criticised the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader’s leadership style.
In a November 2 statement, Muturi questioned Gachagua’s commitment to the opposition’s shared ambition of winning the presidency in 2027. He accused the former deputy president of placing personal and regional interests ahead of that goal.
Opposition divisions draw warning from Muturi
Muturi’s statement followed Gachagua’s Sunday interview on Inooro TV, where he discussed opposition leaders and their parties. The former attorney general argued that Gachagua’s recent conduct threatened cooperation within the coalition.
In particular, Muturi criticised what he described as attempts to undermine existing partnerships and insist on three-way political arrangements. He warned that this approach risked suggesting Gachagua was preparing for post-election bargaining rather than prioritising State House.
Muturi also questioned whether Gachagua wanted to secure political influence for his allies instead of helping the opposition win nationally. He asked whether control of parliamentary and devolved positions had become more important than the coalition’s presidential ambition.
For his part, Matiang’i attributed tensions within the opposition to what he characterised as Gachagua’s arrogance and authoritarian politics.
Joint presidential candidate announcement approaches
Meanwhile, the dispute comes as opposition principals prepare to announce a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto. During a recent engagement, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka suggested they could name their flagbearer as early as November 13.
Muturi urged Gachagua to respect every party within the opposition, arguing that neither an individual nor a community owned the movement. He also stressed that no single community could deliver Kenya’s presidency on its own.
Instead, he called for partnerships grounded in mutual respect, rather than ultimatums, bullying or contests for political supremacy. His warning centred on whether the coalition’s current direction served its collective presidential goal or narrower political interests.
