A war of words over a supposed secret pact for Nairobi's political future has erupted between Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a move one of Kenya's foremost political analysts calls a strategic “disaster” for the opposition.

This public feud distracts from the daily struggles of Nairobians, turning the city's leadership into a bargaining chip for the 2027 general election. For residents grappling with the high cost of living and service delivery gaps, this high-stakes political chess game raises questions about whether their immediate needs are being sidelined for future power plays.

The controversy ignited when Gachagua, now leading the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), claimed he had secured a landmark deal with Kalonzo. Speaking at a church service in Kariobangi North, Gachagua alleged Wiper had agreed to cede the vast majority of Nairobi's elective seats to DCP, including the governorship and 16 of 17 parliamentary slots.

Kalonzo Musyoka moved swiftly to crush the rumour. He publicly denied any such agreement existed, dismissing the claims as propaganda designed to sow discord within the united opposition. “Stop the claims that Wiper has left all Nairobi seats to DCP,” Kalonzo stated, emphasizing that cooperation does not mean surrender.

A Public Relations Own Goal?

According to respected political commentator Herman Manyora, Kalonzo's direct rebuttal was a critical misstep. “If Kalonzo has responded to it, then it's a disaster,” Manyora noted during an analysis on his popular online channel. He argued that by publicly confronting Gachagua, Kalonzo only amplified the issue and created a second crisis on top of the one Gachagua had already sparked.

Manyora's critique highlights a deeper problem for the coalition. He suggested that such internal disputes should be handled behind closed doors, warning that public confrontations project an image of disarray. “They are in a hole, and they are digging,” he observed, quoting the old adage that when you find yourself in a hole, the first rule is to stop digging.

The analyst pointed out that a more strategic response would have been silence or a diplomatic deflection. Instead, the public back-and-forth now signals emerging cracks and a lack of a unified voice within the formation aiming to challenge President William Ruto.

The 2027 Nairobi Battleground

The spat is more than just political theatre; it underscores the strategic importance of Nairobi in the calculus for the 2027 presidential election. Gachagua's claims, whether true or not, were a bold declaration of his intent to make DCP the dominant political force in the capital. His alleged deal laid out ambitious targets:

• The Governor, Senator, and Woman Representative positions for DCP.
• 16 out of 17 parliamentary seats shared between DCP and Wiper.
• At least 75 of the 85 Member of County Assembly (MCA) wards.

While Kalonzo has refuted this arrangement, the very public nature of the disagreement has left voters and political observers questioning the stability and coherence of the opposition alliance. Analysts warn that if such internal friction continues, it could derail the coalition's plans to field a single, formidable presidential candidate to face the incumbent.

As politicians posture and strategize, the ultimate verdict will lie with Nairobi's voters. The pressing question remains whether this political maneuvering will translate into tangible benefits for the city's residents or simply serve as a prelude to the next cycle of power struggles.