The development has raised concerns among political analysts that the disunity could weaken their efforts to challenge President William Ruto in the next elections.
The split became visible when the coalition released two parallel statements from different groups of leaders.
The split became visible when the coalition released two parallel statements from different groups of leaders.
Observers say the move reflects internal disagreements and backroom conflicts, which have now spilled into the public domain. Analysts warn that the lack of cohesion could give President Ruto an advantage in securing a second term.
On Thursday, the first group, led by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, presented their statement at a media briefing in Nairobi.
On Thursday, the first group, led by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, presented their statement at a media briefing in Nairobi.
Key coalition principals, including PLP leader Martha Karua, Jubilee deputy leader Dr Fred Matiang’i, and spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi, were noticeably absent. Despite their absence, Wamalwa insisted that the coalition remained united.
“You may have noticed absences at past events, but these are just rumors. We remain focused on our goal,” Wamalwa said during the briefing.
However, just hours later, the faction that skipped the main briefing released a second statement from a different venue, complete with photos and their own messaging. Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the coalition’s strength relies on each party maintaining internal discipline. “The opposition is as strong as its individual parties,” he stated.
The parallel statements, though similar in content, show a lack of coordination that could undermine the coalition’s credibility.
“You may have noticed absences at past events, but these are just rumors. We remain focused on our goal,” Wamalwa said during the briefing.
However, just hours later, the faction that skipped the main briefing released a second statement from a different venue, complete with photos and their own messaging. Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the coalition’s strength relies on each party maintaining internal discipline. “The opposition is as strong as its individual parties,” he stated.
The parallel statements, though similar in content, show a lack of coordination that could undermine the coalition’s credibility.
Reports indicate that those who skipped the briefing held a private meeting to welcome new members into the coalition, fueling speculation of internal rivalry.
Dr Kituyi, reached by phone, said he was out of town and noted that some principals had missed the event without explanation.
Dr Kituyi, reached by phone, said he was out of town and noted that some principals had missed the event without explanation.
Wamalwa framed the situation as an attempt to sow division within the coalition, referring to it as “Rigathi phobia,” aimed at creating conflict between himself, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Gachagua.
Despite these internal struggles, the United Opposition continued its criticism of President Ruto’s government. Leaders accused him of engaging in “modern-day neocolonialism” by selling or transferring strategic assets without public consultation.
Despite these internal struggles, the United Opposition continued its criticism of President Ruto’s government. Leaders accused him of engaging in “modern-day neocolonialism” by selling or transferring strategic assets without public consultation.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned that attempts to sell Kenyan assets without citizen input would be blocked.
Wamalwa added that several national companies, including Safaricom and the Kenya Pipeline Company, had their stakes sold at fractions of their true value, labeling the actions as silent neocolonialism.
Wamalwa added that several national companies, including Safaricom and the Kenya Pipeline Company, had their stakes sold at fractions of their true value, labeling the actions as silent neocolonialism.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua also criticized the President for giving false impressions about ongoing public projects, citing delays along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.
Professor Macharia Munene, a history and international relations scholar, said, “The opposition remains divided and deeply suspicious of one another. Each leader wants to be recognized as the main figure, which makes unity difficult to achieve.”
According to Munene, this internal competition could prove costly.
According to Munene, this internal competition could prove costly.
“Personal interests appear to be the Achilles’ heel for the opposition. If they fail to unite, President Ruto may face minimal resistance in his bid for a second term,” he explained.
