Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over what he termed political bullying and double-speak, warning that growing divisions within the United Opposition could undermine its chances of winning the presidency in 2027.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, Muturi questioned Gachagua’s push for tripartite political arrangements, arguing that opposition leaders risked prioritising individual political interests over their shared ambition of unseating President William Ruto.
Muturi expressed concern that the scramble for parliamentary seats and control of devolved units could weaken the opposition’s broader presidential strategy.
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“Is the objective to win the presidency or to control MPs, legislators and devolved units while sacrificing the bigger national ambition?” he posed.
The former National Assembly Speaker argued that winning the presidency required a national coalition built on consensus, strategic alliances and support across ethnic and regional boundaries.
He cautioned that no individual politician or political community owned the United Opposition, insisting that cooperation should be based on mutual respect rather than intimidation, ultimatums and struggles for political supremacy.
Muturi also questioned the assumption that bringing together three political formations would automatically guarantee victory for the opposition’s ‘Wantam’ movement.
He warned against reducing the 2027 presidential contest to ethnic numbers, regional strongholds and individual bargaining power, arguing that such an approach could undermine the aspirations of Kenyans seeking political change.
The Democratic Party leader challenged opposition figures to clarify whether they were building a united national movement behind a common presidential candidate or establishing separate political strongholds whose interests would only be negotiated after the elections.
To illustrate the complexities of political alliances, Muturi cited the political history of Gachagua’s late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua, who won the gubernatorial seat on a Grand National Union (GNU) ticket despite the party’s support for Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential bid.
He argued that the example demonstrated how political partnerships and electoral interests could produce different outcomes at the national and county levels.
Muturi maintained that the opposition’s pursuit of State House required sacrifice, discipline and commitment to a common objective rather than competition among leaders seeking to strengthen their individual bargaining positions.
He reiterated that the Democratic Party remained open to dialogue and constructive solutions but would resist intimidation and attempts to compromise its political principles.
“Kenya is bigger than any one politician. State House is the national prize. Unity must not be sacrificed at the altar of individual political survival,” Muturi stated.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate over coalition-building, leadership and the search for a common presidential candidate within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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