Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of political bullying and double-speak. According to The Eastleigh Voice, he also said Gachagua was undermining efforts to unite the opposition before the 2027 election. In a statement on Monday, Muturi questioned whether Gachagua was truly committed to the shared goal of winning State House.
The dispute is about how the opposition should be built. The Eastleigh Voice reported that Gachagua wants an alliance anchored by himself, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Under his plan, his wing would deliver the Mt Kenya and Maasai vote. He puts that vote at 35 per cent of the electorate. Sifuna and Musyoka would mobilise support in Western and Ukambani. Together, the alliance would pass the 50 per cent plus one needed to win.
Muturi rejected the idea. He said winning the presidency requires nationwide support, not a few regional blocs. "Is the objective to win the presidency or to control MPs, legislators, and devolved units while sacrificing the bigger national ambition?" he asked, according to Nairobi Wire. "Kenya is bigger than any one politician. State House is the national prize," he said. Muturi added that his party is open to dialogue but will not give in to intimidation.
The former National Assembly Speaker also pointed to Gachagua's own family history. He recalled that Gachagua's late brother, Nderitu Gachagua, won the Nyeri governor's race on a GNU ticket against TNA. TNA was the party of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Muturi said this showed that political alliances are complex and that no formation belongs to one person.
His statement came hours after Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i criticised Gachagua in a Sunday interview with NTV. Matiang'i said Gachagua's "majoritarian arrogance" and pride could split the opposition. He argued that leaders should be chosen on ideas, track records and competence.
The opposition is also under pressure to name its joint candidate, The Star reported. Gachagua has defended the delay. He cited former President Mwai Kibaki, who was named the joint opposition candidate about 73 days before the 2002 election. Kibaki went on to win. Gachagua has suggested a decision could come after Christmas or in January. He also said the opposition is waiting to see whom Ruto picks as his running mate. No response from Gachagua to Muturi's statement has been reported.
Analysts quoted by The Star are divided. Joseph Mutua warned that delay could deepen mistrust and give Ruto's UDA more time to build support. Fred Sasia said naming a candidate too early could expose the flagbearer to attacks before the campaign machinery is ready. Under the IEBC plan, presidential candidates will register between May 29 and June 11, 2027.