Silent opposition war as Gachagua return revives ticket battle
Kenyan opposition politics are experiencing internal friction as leaders debate how to form a unified front against President William Ruto. Tensions have risen over the inclusion of various political figures and the consolidation of regional support bases.
Why it matters
The fragmentation of the opposition could significantly impact the competitiveness of the upcoming general election in Kenya.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Nyandarua counterpart John Methu during a meeting at Wamunyoro, October 20, 2026. The opposition is facing fresh divisions, with key luminaries pulling apart, particularly over how to settle on a single candidate to face President William Ruto in next year's general election.
Two leading presidential candidates in the United Opposition have teamed up with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, whom DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and his allies have relentlessly accused of being a government mole.
The latest to join the fold is PLP party leader Martha Karua, who has now teamed up with Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i.
The three held joint meetings in Njoro, Nakuru County, on Wednesday.
In her speech, Karua fired an indirect salvo at Gachagua, saying he cost them the presidency in the 2022 election, but that they still welcomed him into the fold after his impeachment.
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