What You Need to Know
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s endorsement strategy is causing unrest within the United Opposition. His actions have led to accusations of undermining internal democracy and creating divisions among party members. As he extends his endorsements beyond DCP, tensions rise, threatening the coalition’s stability and unity ahead of upcoming elections.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing mounting political headwinds as his endorsement strategy, which is already stirring disquiet in DCP, spills into the United Opposition.
Even as Gachagua publicly assures aspirants that DCP will conduct free and fair nominations, his parallel move to handpick and endorse preferred candidates has exposed cracks in his party and raised questions about internal democracy.
Among those he has backed are Mohamed Ali for Mombasa governor, Mithika Linturi for Meru governor, Kamau Murango in Kirinyaga and Irungu wa Mai in Murang’a — though the latter endorsement is said to be conditional should incumbent Governor Irungu Kang’ata fail to join DCP. He has also endorsed Nelson Havi for Westlands MP.
The endorsements have, however, sparked unease in party ranks, with some aspirants accusing the leadership of predetermining outcomes despite promises of transparent primaries.
The tensions have already resulted in fallout, most notably the exit of Juja MP George Koimburi, who accused the party of misleading aspirants.
“We were conned,” Koimburi said upon his departure, underscoring growing dissatisfaction among grassroots politicians who fear being edged out of the race before nominations are even conducted.
But it is Gachagua’s decision to extend this endorsement approach beyond DCP into the wider opposition formation that is now raising alarm bells.
During his recent political tour of Ukambani, Gachagua openly backed several leaders for re-election, including Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.
He also threw his weight behind Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti for Machakos governor, a move that ignited resistance from in the county.
Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, who is also eyeing the Machakos gubernatorial seat, sharply criticised the endorsement, signalling early fractures that could widen if such declarations persist.
He expressed his regret that Gachagua had gone to Mavoko to insult him in front of his party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.
“I found him to be contemptuous of Kalonzo. You can’t go into someone’s home and star telling them how bad their son is,” Makau said.
“So, him coming to lecture me in front of my party leader meant he doesn’t respect the party and the party leader.”
He said it was unfortunate that he was decampaigning him because he voted for his impeachment.
“I know who sent him. We are competing with them in the next elections for governor,” Makau added.
“Even those walking with Gachagua, I wonder what they see in him. If it is Gachagua who will make me get elected for any post, I’d rather lose it.”
While the endorsements may help Gachagua consolidate influence and reward loyalists, exporting the same model into a multi-party opposition coalition risks alienating key partners and fuelling internal rivalries.
The United Opposition brings together diverse political players with competing interests, regional bases and ambitions.
Premature endorsements, especially by one principal, could thus be interpreted as an attempt to dominate the coalition and dictate its political direction.
Prof Macharia Munene says this is where the risk lies.
“What works within a party structure may not translate well in a coalition setting. Endorsements in a coalition environment can easily be seen as imposition,” he said.
“The guy might be getting excited with the crowds because I have not seen the reverse, where the other principals are endorsing candidates in his backyard.”
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the opposition camp is yet to formally agree on a coalition framework, including how nominations and power-sharing arrangements will be handled.
His earlier declaration that they had agreed with Kalonzo that DCP would field candidates in all positions triggered unease in the camp, with the Wiper leader publicly denying such a pact.
Within DCP itself, the contradiction between promising open primaries and issuing direct endorsements continues to generate uncertainty among aspirants.
However, DCP planning secretary Peter Mbae has maintained that the party will ensure the best candidate gets the ticket.
“It will not be about who is more learned, or who mobilises well and brings more caps,” he said on Wednesday.
“We have told the people that it is them to decide which MCA, MP, Woman Rep they want through primaries, and we will give that person the ticket.”
When asked whether money is a factor as claimed, Mbae said it would be foolhardy for any party to take money from a candidate and give them a certificate because they will lose that position.
“The people will elect another person who is popular on the ground,” he said.
Kenya’s political landscape has been characterized by shifting alliances and coalitions, particularly in the lead-up to elections. The United Opposition, formed to challenge the ruling party, comprises various political factions with distinct regional interests and agendas. Historically, endorsement practices within political parties have often led to internal strife, especially when leaders attempt to impose their choices on a broader coalition. This dynamic is crucial in understanding the current tensions surrounding Gachagua’s endorsement strategy.
