Disjointed 'united' opposition

DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua. [Mose Sammy, Standard] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua returns next week to an opposition that has seemed deflated by his absence. Previously roaring at President William Ruto at every chance, the 'united opposition' has toned down its attacks on the Head of State, even as internal wrangles threaten to split constituent parties. Before Gachagua headed to the United States, the new opposition was shaking off the perception that its members could only speak through press briefings. In a series of rallies that rattled government functionaries, they started what became known as the 'cousin' movement, aimed at forging a coalition with a membership drawn from some specific ethnic groups. Gachagua would host his opposition allies in Mount Kenya, with Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka returning the favour in Ukambani. Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa did the same in Western, as did former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i in his Kisii backyard. Such rallies have subsided, with the 'united opposition' resorting to the press briefings that have previously given it a bad rap. All the while, Ruto and his allies have ramped up engagements with the public, over which they seem to hold a monopoly. This has been through 'empowerment' drives, a new style of campaigning that the ruling United Democratic Alliance has adopted. The President is campaigning for re-election as rigorously as he has since he was elected. Even before he was elected. Ruto's most potent challenge within the budding Kalonzo-Gachagua-led alliance has been presented by the former deputy president, who has kept firing even from abroad. His allies in the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), mostly from the Mt Kenya region, have kept the fire burning, holding frequent public engagements. "The delegation of DCP that includes Senator John Methu (Nyandarua), Joe Nyutu (Murang'a)... has not been sleeping," Njeri Kahiga, a youth leader in Gachagua's DCP, said in a recent episode of KTN's Unfiltered podcast. "Then there is a party leader within Mt Kenya in their house." DCP's deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, has also kept consistent, but he has recently felt more preoccupied with the looming Malava by-election, which has put his party on a collision course with allied outfits. Malala wants DAP-Kenya to sit out the race to find the late Malulu Injendi's replacement. The former Kakamega Senator wants Kenya National Union of Nurses secretary general Seth Panyako of the DAP-K to stand down for DCP's Edgar Busiega. Malala's strong demands have threatened to drive a wedge between DCP and DAP-K. The latter party is already rocked by divisions. Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya are locked in a supremacy war that could tear down DAP, and perhaps its chances of producing the opposition's running mate in the 2027 general election. On Tuesday, the pair sought to mend fences and appointed a committee to iron out differences within the party in 30 days. Wamalwa blame their woes on Ruto. "President William Ruto, if you think you will infiltrate this party the way you did to Jubilee, that will not happen to DAP-K," said the former Defence cabinet secretary. "We will not allow you to kill this party." The Jubilee in question has also had its fair share of strife. A supremacy battle was recently settled in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's favour, and the former Head of State has moved to regain control of his party. He recently chaired a meeting of the party's executive committee, which decided to convene a special delegates conference later this month. There is speculation of a looming purge targeting some party officials. Jubilee has struggled to speak with one voice, and has recently seemed conflicted about who to back for the presidency in the next polls. Days ago, its vice chairperson, David Murathe, said the former ruling party would support Raila. This position contradicted an assertion by Jeremiah Kioni, the secretary general, that Matiang'i would be Jubilee's candidate. Kioni has been mostly missing in meetings by the 'united opposition', with Jubilee represented by its chairperson, Saitoti Torome. More compounding is Uhuru's recent meeting with Ruto at the State House, which has rattled elements within DCP, a party currently facing off for dominance in Mt Kenya with other outfits, which include Uhuru's Jubilee. Kalonzo's Wiper has managed to stay relatively stable, but there is a danger that it may be rocked by the chaos surrounding it. The alliance that already seems disjointed will face the biggest test when deciding its flagbearer to face Ruto, which will require a taming of ambitions. Many observers have warned that beating Ruto would not be a walk in the park, pointing out that the opposition needs to present a united force. That is easier said than done. "They are not united," said Dr Timothy Onduru, who teaches history at Moi University. "They don't have a common ground. If they remain divided, the chances that they will defeat Ruto are very slim. They would tell a different story if they were united." Dr Onduru said he does not think the opposition would beat Ruto with Raila's backing, but Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi dismissed talk of division as "propaganda peddled by the State." "This fight is not about who is in or out, but about finding solutions for the challenges facing Kenya. Kenyans are united in seeking better governance, and the united opposition seeks to provide that," said Mwangangi. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo concurred, saying the coalition would "send both Ruto and Raila home," even as he argued that the President would be weaker if Raila deserted him and dismissed talk of division. "You will soon see us. We are planning our movements because when Gachagua left for the US and Kalonzo for the UK, the police started shooting our MPs," the Makueni senator said of an incident involving a planned DCP rally in Gilgil, Nakuru, which the police dispersed. A new crop of politicians - comprising Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Majimbo Kalasinga(Kabuchai), Jack Wamboka (Bumula) and Antoney Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) - seeks to chart a path away from the politicians of old. Similarly, other movements, like two led by former Chief Justice David Maraga and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, have their sights set on a slice of the traditional opposition's pie. "They are definitely a threat to the opposition," said Dr Onduru, the historian. "If they are pulling in different directions, then they are dividing the opposition further." But Maanzo differed, saying the "third force" would have to eventually pick a side. "There is nothing like the third force. They can't survive on their own," he said. On his part, Mwangangi said, "Kenyans are not interested in those kinds of discussions. They want a government that would address their pressing concerns."

Disjointed 'united' opposition

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