Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of allegedly using the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to create divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement. Speaking in the United States on Saturday, September 19, Gachagua warned that the opposition coalition could face difficulties if its leaders fail to address growing tensions within the movement. Gachagua's allegations have sparked concerns about the stability of the movement.
According to Gachagua, the alleged campaign followed a large Linda Mwananchi gathering in Nairobi, which he claimed prompted concern within the government. Gachagua said he had personally contacted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to alert them about what he described as a coordinated campaign to undermine their political alliance. Sifuna and Babu are among the key figures associated with Linda Mwananchi, with the movement backing Sifuna as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua Claims State Plot Against Movement. Gachagua did not provide evidence publicly to substantiate the allegation. However, he encouraged Sifuna and Babu to address disagreements before they escalate. Gachagua held separate conversations with Sifuna and Babu, urging them to engage their supporters to prevent disagreements within the movement from worsening. His intervention comes against the backdrop of public disagreements involving some of Linda Mwananchi’s leaders and supporters.
Some of Sifuna’s allies have accused Babu of seeking greater influence within the movement and attempting to exert pressure on the Nairobi senator. Babu has denied the allegations and repeatedly maintained that he supports Sifuna’s presidential ambitions. The tensions within the movement have raised concerns about its ability to present a united front in the upcoming elections.
Gachagua Warns Against Ethnic Divisions. Gachagua also expressed concern over what he described as an emerging ethnic dimension to the disagreements, particularly tensions involving Luo and Luhya communities. He accused the government of pursuing a “divide and rule” strategy, while urging Sifuna and Babu not to allow their political differences to take on an ethnic character.
Gachagua subsequently broadened his appeal to the Kikuyu and Luo communities, urging them not to allow political differences to create hostility between the two groups. “Ruto is an expert in pitting communities against each other. I really want to persuade our brothers from the Luo nation and my kinsmen from the Kikuyu nation, please don’t allow William Ruto to pit us against each other,” he said.
Gachagua's allegations and warnings have sparked a heated debate within the Kenyan political landscape. As the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, the stability and unity of the Linda Mwananchi movement will be crucial in determining its effectiveness as an opposition coalition. The movement's leaders will need to address the growing tensions and allegations of government interference to present a united front.
Key points
- Gachagua accuses President Ruto of using the National Intelligence Service to create divisions within the Linda Mwananchi movement.
- Gachagua warns against ethnic divisions and urges leaders to address disagreements before they escalate.
- The stability and unity of the Linda Mwananchi movement will be crucial in determining its effectiveness as an opposition coalition in the 2027 General Election.
