Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's attempt to form a new coalition, The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), to face President William Ruto in 2027 has faced resistance from Jubilee leaders and key allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The alliance proposed Gachagua as the coalition's council chairman, replacing former President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, Gachagua's allies have downplayed the offer, considering the position too low-key for a politician of his stature.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a close Gachagua ally, urged Gachagua to reject the offer unless he was given greater control of the rebranded outfit. Gakuya termed the council chairmanship as a low deal, considering the size of their party. Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, another close ally of Gachagua, also played down the proposal, stating that their immediate priority was to strengthen their support base before entering coalition negotiations.
Deputy party leader of DCP, Cleophas Malala, was categorical that his party would not join TUA. Instead, he suggested that they would join forces with Sifuna, then negotiate together for one coalition. Malala's statement added to the pressure on Kalonzo's proposal. Kalonzo had chaired the Azimio steering committee meeting, where the proposal for Gachagua to take over as TUA council chairman was discussed.
The Wiper leader currently serves as the party leader of TUA, giving him significant influence over the coalition. The council chairmanship would give Gachagua a prominent role in the coalition's leadership, particularly at the council level. However, Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni questioned the party's attachment to the Azimio/Ukombozi arrangement, calling for a fresh political vehicle.
Kioni suggested that Jubilee should work towards a new, genuinely inclusive coalition that brings everyone on board and gives every voice a place at the table. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta had resigned as Azimio Council chairman, making way for a new generation of leaders. Kenyatta's resignation note stated that leadership is not about clinging to power but allowing the next generation to navigate the waters.
Gachagua has mentioned that Uhuru could play the role of an elder in helping rival camps resolve disagreements, rather than financing or leading the opposition. However, Kenyatta's close links to several leading opposition figures could complicate any attempt to position him as a neutral broker. The opposition's ambitions and emerging power structure are likely to influence negotiations on the joint presidential ticket.
The rejection of Kalonzo's Ukombozi coalition plan by Jubilee leaders and Gachagua's allies has added uncertainty to the opposition's preparations for the 2027 elections. The development may affect the opposition's ability to present a united front against President Ruto. Key players in the opposition will need to navigate their differences and find a way to work together if they hope to challenge the president effectively.
Key points
- Jubilee leaders and allies of Rigathi Gachagua have rejected Kalonzo Musyoka's Ukombozi coalition plan.
- The proposed council chairman position for Gachagua was considered too low-key by his allies.
- The opposition's emerging power structure and negotiations on the joint presidential ticket are likely to be influenced by the rejection of Kalonzo's plan.
