Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of undermining unity within the United Opposition, warning that internal political divisions could jeopardise the coalition’s ambition of defeating President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Muturi said Kenya’s presidency could not be secured through the political support of one community or region, arguing that winning State House requires broad-based national alliances, compromise and the ability to unite Kenyans across ethnic and regional boundaries.
In a strongly worded statement, Muturi questioned Gachagua’s commitment to the collective presidential ambitions of the Wantam movement, accusing him of pursuing political arrangements that risk fragmenting the opposition.
He took issue with Gachagua’s insistence on a tripartite political arrangement, arguing that such a formula was not necessarily a guarantee of victory and could weaken efforts to build a united national coalition.
“Is the objective to win the presidency or to control MPs, legislators and devolved units while sacrificing the bigger national ambition?” Muturi posed.
He warned that the opposition risked creating separate political kingdoms whose leaders could prioritise individual interests and post-election bargaining at the expense of a shared presidential agenda.
” No individual owns the United Opposition, and no community has a monopoly on Kenya’s presidency. Political partnerships must be built on mutual respect, not ultimatums, political bullying or supremacy contests,” he said.
Muturi, who described himself as a veteran of Kenya’s political struggles, said successful coalition-building required maturity, strategic thinking and a willingness by political leaders to make compromises.
He further invoked the political history of Gachagua’s family, recalling that his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, defeated a candidate backed by The National Alliance (TNA) despite the party’s support for then presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said the episode demonstrated that political alliances were complex and that no individual or political formation could claim exclusive ownership of the country’s political destiny.
Muturi challenged opposition leaders to clarify whether they were committed to building one national movement with a common presidential candidate or establishing independent political formations that would pursue separate interests.
He maintained that the opposition’s ultimate objective should be capturing State House rather than concentrating on controlling parliamentary seats, county governments and other political positions.
“KOMBOA KENYA IS NOT CHILD’S PLAY,” Muturi declared, describing the political undertaking as a national responsibility requiring sacrifice, discipline and genuine commitment to a common objective.
The DP leader said his party remained open to dialogue with opposition leaders committed to constructive engagement and meaningful political negotiations.
However, he cautioned that the party would not surrender its principles in the face of intimidation or what he termed political mischief.
“Kenya is bigger than any one politician. State House is the national prize. Unity must not be sacrificed at the altar of individual political survival,” he said.
The remarks add to growing political tensions within the opposition camp as leaders manoeuvre to shape coalition arrangements and position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Kindiki Departs for Antigua and Barbuda to Represent Ruto at 2026 CHOGM
If you like our work, you can buy us a soda
Buy us a soda 🥤
