Daggers drawn against Rigathi in opposition supremacy battle
A power struggle has emerged within the Kenyan opposition as various leaders publicly criticize former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The internal conflict threatens to destabilize the coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election cycle.
Why it matters
Internal fractures in the opposition could significantly alter the political landscape and the viability of the coalition against the incumbent government.
Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), Fred Matiang'i (Jubilee), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Justin Muturi (DP) during a press conference on June 11, 2026. /FILE
A fierce power struggle has rocked the opposition with leaders turning their artillery on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom they accuse of “belittling, bullying colleagues and seeking to dominate the coalition".
The internal war came at a delicate time for the opposition before naming their presidential candidate and unveiling their 2027 political lineup against President William Ruto.
There are fears that if not managed well, the internal tension could trigger an acrimonious split, at a time when Ruto’s team is reportedly courting some opposition bigwigs.
Sources said the fallout has previously been confined to closed-door meetings and growing individual frustrations.
However, the frictions spilled to the public this week in ugly exchanges.
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