Democracy for Citizens' Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has publicly criticised unnamed officials within the Jubilee Party for what he termed as new and unwarranted attacks against Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Speaking during a media engagement in Kanyuambora, Embu, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Gachagua expressed confusion over the shift in political hostility, suggesting a perplexing change in strategy from figures who previously targeted him.

“Those Jubilee leaders were fighting me, Gachagua, instead of fighting William Ruto, who is our common enemy,” Gachagua stated, recalling past political tensions. He noted that following an intervention by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had called for an end to insults within the party, the focus of the attacks has now turned to Musyoka. “The way our king Uhuru Kenyatta told them is a nice idea, even though now they have started targeting Kalonzo. We do not understand what they want,” he added.

A Call for Respect Amidst Political Realignments

Gachagua's comments come just weeks after former President and Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta issued a stern warning to party members against insulting other political leaders, including Gachagua himself. During a Jubilee grassroots meeting in Murang'a on Friday, November 7, 2025, Kenyatta stressed the need for respectful and mature politics, threatening to expel members who continued to engage in personal attacks on social media. “I get angry when I read on social media people defending our party but throwing insults at other leaders... I don’t want that nonsense at my party,” Kenyatta stated emphatically.

The timing of these internal political shifts is significant, occurring as various opposition factions appear to be exploring potential alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gachagua, who launched his DCP party in May 2025 after a public fallout with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has been seen in public displays of unity with Musyoka. Their discussions have reportedly included plans to consolidate their respective political strongholds in the Mt. Kenya and Ukambani regions.

Implications for Opposition Unity and the Mbeere North Mini-Poll

The verbal attacks on Musyoka are particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary mini-poll scheduled for November 27, 2025. Gachagua and other united opposition leaders have been actively campaigning in the region for the Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Newton Karish. During his remarks in Embu, Gachagua alluded to the by-election, questioning the logic of undermining a potential ally. “If the people of Kariobangi North in Nairobi are saying Wantam, then why here at home in Mbeere North would you like to dress him by electing his project?” he posed, suggesting a unified stance is required.

The friction between Gachagua and elements within Jubilee highlights the complex and fluid nature of Kenyan political alliances. While Gachagua positions himself and Musyoka as focused on challenging the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration, he portrays the attacks from within the broader opposition as a distraction. He maintained that his supporters have shown respect towards former President Kenyatta, understanding that the primary political adversary is President Ruto. The developing situation raises questions about the internal cohesion of the opposition and whether these internal disputes could undermine efforts to present a united front against the government. Further investigation is required to identify the specific Jubilee officials Gachagua was referring to and the precise nature of their recent criticisms of Kalonzo Musyoka.