A storm is brewing within Kenya’s opposition as former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua openly rejects what he calls a “hijacking” of the United Opposition by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The rift, insiders reveal, was sparked by a secret endorsement of Kalonzo Musyoka as the coalition’s preferred 2027 presidential flagbearer — with plans to pair him with Muhoho Kenyatta, Uhuru’s brother, as running mate.
The move, allegedly crafted without broad consultation, has rattled Mount Kenya leaders who view it as an attempt to re-establish the Kenyatta family’s grip on regional politics.
NTV Kenya: Gachagua accuses Ruto of plotting to weaken opposition ahead of 2027
Gachagua, once seen as a key pillar of the opposition unity drive, is now leading a rebellion within Azimio ranks, accusing Uhuru of sidelining Central Kenya voices and imposing leadership “from the boardroom.”
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“You cannot appoint a Kikuyu leader in a boardroom,” Gachagua is quoted saying. “That era ended.”
Sources within the DCP confirm that Gachagua’s camp has distanced itself from the endorsement, calling for a transparent and inclusive process to determine the coalition’s flagbearer.
Political analysts believe this new standoff could fracture the opposition ahead of 2027, with Gachagua positioning himself as the counterweight to elite-driven politics and a defender of grassroots democracy.
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As the 2027 race gathers momentum, one thing is clear — Rigathi Gachagua is not backing down, and the opposition’s unity is now hanging by a thread.
This comes as Gachagua invited the media to his Wamunyoro home to shed more light on the way forward for the United Opposition.
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Kenyans have since reacted to the move as seen below.;
"The media invite signals Gachagua’s intent to publicly challenge Azimio’s unilateral actions. It marks a shift from internal dissent to open political confrontation. Kalonzo Rejected #RiggyResists AzimiWho / Gachagua Vs Uhuru"@Terry254_Terry