Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s push to lead the opposition has hit turbulence as allies raise alarm over blunders that now threaten the United Opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Insiders and analysts say Gachagua’s domineering style and repeated public gaffes are pushing away key partners, casting fresh doubt on whether the alliance can mount a united challenge against President William Ruto government and the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
From impeachment to opposition frontrunner
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 on charges ranging from corruption to ethnic incitement. Within weeks he declared himself the natural leader of the opposition space left vacant when veteran politician Raila Odinga joined Ruto government.
In May 2025 he launched the Democracy for Citizens Party, toured counties exposing alleged government scandals and promised an inclusive coalition. By November he had pulled Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa of Democratic Action Party and several smaller parties into an agreement to field one presidential candidate against Ruto.
First cracks appear
The first public rift emerged last month when Gachagua claimed during a church event in Kariobangi North that a “secret Nairobi deal” had already been reached with Kalonzo to share the capital’s political seats in 2027. Kalonzo immediately dismissed the claim as fiction and accused Gachagua of spreading rumours planted by State House to create confusion.
By-election disaster deepens crisis
Tensions boiled over after the opposition suffered a humiliating clean sweep in seven parliamentary by-elections on 28 November. In constituencies such as Mbeere North – considered a Mt Kenya stronghold – Gachagua’s heavy-handed candidate selection and last-minute changes sparked chaos and blame games.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya publicly accused Gachagua of selfishness, saying the former deputy president forced candidates to step down only to issue contradictory endorsements hours later.
Mt Kenya focus irks allies
Several coalition leaders complain that Gachagua remains fixated on locking down the Mt Kenya vote while treating the rest of the country as an afterthought. Senior figures describe decision-making sessions that feel more like briefings than consultations, with Gachagua announcing decisions already taken.
The simmering rivalry with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has also burst into the open, with allies trading barbs through surrogates on social media and in the press.
In Narok Town, Jubilee Party abruptly pulled its candidate in favour of the United Democratic Alliance nominee despite an earlier coalition agreement, leaving Gachagua questioning Jubilee loyalty in public and further muddying the opposition waters.
Mocking Raila backfires
Political commentators say Gachagua’s habit of mocking Raila Odinga’s age and health – once cheered by his base – has alienated potential nationwide supporters. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir told him bluntly to “keep Raila out of your mouth”.
Gachagua insists unity holds
Despite the criticism, Gachagua continues to project confidence. “We are still united in our determination to remove this regime,” he said in a recent interview, brushing aside suggestions of serious divisions.
Yet the mood inside the coalition has turned sombre. After the November by-election rout, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki crowed that the opposition “exists only on social media”. Many United Opposition members privately fear he may be right.
Stark choice ahead of 202
With less than two years to the next general election, the coalition faces a stark choice: force Gachagua to moderate his approach and share power more equitably, or risk watching heavyweights such as Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa walk away.
In Kenya cut-throat political arena, opposition unity has always been the biggest hurdle. Right now, Rigathi Gachagua missteps are making it look almost impossible.
