Fresh political differences have emerged within Kenya’s opposition after allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed suggestions that the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) should join the Azimio la Umoja coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a close ally of Gachagua, said DCP has no intention of joining or recognizing Azimio as the platform through which the opposition should seek to challenge President William Ruto in the next presidential election.
Speaking during a media interview, Gakuya argued that any future coalition bringing together opposition leaders should be established independently rather than under the Azimio banner.
“We have no space in Azimio. Going forward, we cannot recognize it. If there is going to be a coalition to face President Ruto in 2027, it should be formed outside Azimio,” Gakuya said.
His remarks come just days after Azimio announced a major reorganization of its leadership structure as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of the next General Election.
The coalition recently admitted former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former Meru Governor Peter Munya and former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti into its National Council as new principals.
Azimio also resolved to begin a rebranding exercise while inviting additional political parties to either join or rejoin the coalition.
However, Gakuya insisted that DCP would not be part of those plans, arguing that the coalition has lost its political direction.
The lawmaker also criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who currently serves as Azimio’s chairperson, accusing him of attempting to revive a political arrangement that he believes has already outlived its usefulness.
According to Gakuya, the opposition should focus on building a fresh political movement instead of reorganizing an existing coalition.
He further urged Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures to carefully assess whether remaining in Azimio would strengthen or weaken their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 contest.
“There is a lot of confusion within Azimio. It is up to leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka to decide whether they want to remain there or pursue another political path, but as DCP, we cannot be part of that coalition,” he said.
The latest comments highlight growing differences among opposition leaders at a time when discussions on coalition building are gathering pace across the country.
Since launching DCP, Gachagua has intensified political tours across the Mt Kenya region while presenting his party as a key vehicle for mobilizing support ahead of the next elections.
His efforts have attracted support from some leaders while drawing criticism from others who believe the opposition should consolidate under broader coalition arrangements.
Political analysts note that although many opposition leaders share the common objective of challenging President William Ruto in 2027, disagreements over the structure, leadership and identity of a united coalition continue to delay consensus.
Azimio, which was initially formed ahead of the 2022 General Election, has been undergoing internal restructuring following changes in its leadership.
The coalition has sought to expand its membership by inviting additional parties while reorganizing its decision-making organs.
The inclusion of experienced political figures such as Matiang’i, Munya and Kivuti has been interpreted by some observers as an effort to broaden the coalition’s national appeal and prepare for future negotiations with like-minded parties.
However, Gakuya’s firm rejection suggests that Gachagua’s camp may be pursuing a separate political strategy, potentially setting the stage for parallel opposition movements rather than a single united front.
The developments underscore the increasingly complex political landscape as parties and leaders position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
While discussions on coalition building are expected to continue, it remains unclear whether Kenya’s opposition will eventually unite under one umbrella or head into the 2027 elections through multiple political formations.
