The disgruntled leaders claim that their voices are being ignored, and the party’s decision-making processes have been undermined, leaving supporters and aspirants confused and demotivated.
Speaking in Nakuru town on Friday, December 12, 2025, the leaders, led by Roes Kariuki, accused Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara of micromanaging party affairs, which they said has created friction within the county chapter.
Speaking in Nakuru town on Friday, December 12, 2025, the leaders, led by Roes Kariuki, accused Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara of micromanaging party affairs, which they said has created friction within the county chapter.
“This party came to us when it was very strong, and we embraced it thinking it would help progress well, but we are saddened by some of the leaders who have blocked us from growth,” Kariuki said.
Kariuki added that grassroots efforts to engage with Gachagua have been frustrated, leaving the leaders feeling sidelined.
Kariuki added that grassroots efforts to engage with Gachagua have been frustrated, leaving the leaders feeling sidelined.
“We can’t have a free mind to engage our national leaders because of what is being done by leaders we expect to grow the party,” he said.
The discontent has emerged at a critical time when the United Opposition is strategising ahead of the 2027 elections, aiming to unseat President William Ruto.
The discontent has emerged at a critical time when the United Opposition is strategising ahead of the 2027 elections, aiming to unseat President William Ruto.
While opposition bigwigs have publicly dismissed claims of an internal rift, critics argue that Gachagua’s leadership style is creating divisions within the party, potentially weakening the opposition’s efforts.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge has been vocal in expressing concerns about Gachagua’s approach. In an interview with a local television station on December 3, 2025, Mathenge claimed that the DCP boss has been using intimidation to dominate the United Opposition, drawing parallels with past leadership tactics.
Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge has been vocal in expressing concerns about Gachagua’s approach. In an interview with a local television station on December 3, 2025, Mathenge claimed that the DCP boss has been using intimidation to dominate the United Opposition, drawing parallels with past leadership tactics.
“The intimidation, the dictatorship, and the questioning we see now is exactly what the United Opposition is experiencing,” Mathenge said, highlighting early signs of coercion that threaten the cohesion of the coalition.
According to the Nakuru leaders, fragmented coordination within the DCP has allowed other parties to edge them out of the political space, leaving members’ interests inadequately protected.
According to the Nakuru leaders, fragmented coordination within the DCP has allowed other parties to edge them out of the political space, leaving members’ interests inadequately protected.
Eddy Chimuma, another party official, lamented that the party is slowly becoming a pale image of its former self due to infighting and backstabbing.
“We need urgent intervention from the top leadership to rein in micromanagement and allow supporters and leaders to operate freely,” Chimuma said.
“We need urgent intervention from the top leadership to rein in micromanagement and allow supporters and leaders to operate freely,” Chimuma said.
He called for a restoration of a governance structure that promotes unity and transparency within the party, warning that continued internal disputes could erode the DCP’s influence ahead of the 2027 polls.
Other leaders, including Joseph Karuri, accused MP Kihara and DCP county coordinator William Wachira of failing to foster synergy and vibrancy in party affairs.
Other leaders, including Joseph Karuri, accused MP Kihara and DCP county coordinator William Wachira of failing to foster synergy and vibrancy in party affairs.
A few months ago, Nakuru County DCP secretary Simon ole Nasieku had also raised concerns about attempts to frustrate coordination efforts by some county officials.
The ongoing tension within the DCP highlights the challenges facing political parties in Kenya as they navigate internal governance issues while preparing for national elections.
As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Gachagua and his team to see whether they can reconcile internal differences, restore trust among grassroots leaders, and present a unified front against the ruling administration.
The ongoing tension within the DCP highlights the challenges facing political parties in Kenya as they navigate internal governance issues while preparing for national elections.
As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on Gachagua and his team to see whether they can reconcile internal differences, restore trust among grassroots leaders, and present a unified front against the ruling administration.
Failure to do so could result in further defections and fragmentation, potentially reshaping the opposition landscape in Kenya.
The coming months will be critical for the DCP, as its ability to manage internal disputes may determine its role and influence within the United Opposition in the run-up to the next general elections.
The coming months will be critical for the DCP, as its ability to manage internal disputes may determine its role and influence within the United Opposition in the run-up to the next general elections.
Grassroots leaders have made it clear that they expect accountability, fair representation, and respect for party structures, signaling a pivotal moment in the party’s political journey.
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