Cracks Deepen in Opposition as Kalonzo and Gachagua Set for Separate Mt Kenya Rallies Ahead of 2027

Cracks appear to be emerging within Kenya’s opposition after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua prepared to hold separate political engagements in the Mt Kenya region, raising questions about their ability to coordinate efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Kalonzo announced plans for rallies and a church service in Kirinyaga County, where he was expected to be accompanied by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.

At the same time, Gachagua was expected to lead his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) team in Nyahururu for separate engagements with supporters, highlighting the different mobilisation strategies being pursued by opposition leaders.

The parallel activities come as political figures seek to strengthen their influence and establish their positions before negotiations over a possible joint presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

Kalonzo’s political grouping includes Wamalwa and Muturi, who have participated in joint engagements as they pursue closer cooperation among opposition parties.

Another emerging camp brings together Jubilee presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and People’s Party of Kenya leader Ndindi Nyoro. Their joint appearance in Njoro, Nakuru County, on Wednesday, October 21, demonstrated another effort to build political cooperation.

Meanwhile, Gachagua’s emerging partnership with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has added another dimension to the opposition landscape. Their meeting at Wamunyoro in Nyeri County on Tuesday, October 20, brought together Gachagua’s DCP team and members of the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Although the three groupings have not formally declared themselves rivals, their separate activities have raised questions about whether opposition leaders are working towards a common strategy or strengthening their individual bargaining positions.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the challenge will be finding common ground on leadership, coalition arrangements and a shared political agenda.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/kalonzo-gachagua-set-for-separate-rallies-in-mt-kenya-amid-questions-over-opposition-unity