Questions as Opposition principals skip Gachagua party launch

By Newsflash Reporter

Fresh questions have emerged over the future of Rigathi Gachagua’s political alliances after several key Opposition principals failed to attend the official launch of his new political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

The absence of prominent leaders who were previously seen in close consultation with Gachagua has triggered speculation over the unity and direction of his newly declared political movement.

Notably missing from Thursday’s event were Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) boss Eugene Wamalwa, Party of Liberation and Prosperity (PLP) leader Martha Karua, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

Their no-show has left observers questioning whether the alliance between Gachagua and these high-profile Opposition figures is faltering before it formally begins.

Ironically, the quartet had just last week attended a high-profile political unity meeting hosted at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri.

The gathering had fueled rumours of a looming political coalition aimed at challenging President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 elections. At the time, the optics appeared to indicate a solidifying alliance, with Gachagua at its center.

In a move that did little to dispel confusion, Eugene Wamalwa sent a congratulatory message to Gachagua, but did not explain his absence. Neither Kalonzo, Karua, nor Matiang’i issued statements or explanations, further stoking speculation that behind-the-scenes political tensions may be brewing.

Ally defections

Even more surprising was the apparent defection of Gachagua’s own allies. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, long considered a staunch supporter of the former Deputy President, was conspicuously absent from the launch. Instead, she was reportedly engaged in a closed-door meeting in Nairobi with Fred Matiang’i and former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu. The venue of the meeting was undisclosed, but the symbolism of her absence and choice of company did not go unnoticed.

Political insiders now suggest that Wamuchomba may be on her way out of Gachagua’s political circle, raising questions about internal discord within the new party’s ranks.

Compounding the speculation was the noticeable absence of party regalia among some of Gachagua’s closest allies who did attend the launch. The lack of visible enthusiasm and branding, typically expected at such a high-profile event, seemed to hint at lukewarm support or internal disagreements over the direction of the new party.

Adding to the chaos, the launch event was marred by an outbreak of violence that momentarily disrupted proceedings. Addressing the incident, DCP’s Interim Party Leader Cleophas Malala accused the government of orchestrating the disruptions.

“We are aware that the goons were state-sponsored,” said Malala on Thursday, during an interview with KTN television.

Malala’s remarks suggest that tensions between the emerging DCP leadership and the state may already be intensifying. If the accusation is substantiated, it would indicate a deliberate effort to undermine Gachagua’s political re-entry. However, government officials have yet to respond to the claims.