How Ruto is using divide-and-rule tactics to tear into opposition

United opposition leaders have condemned what they term President William Ruto’s alleged attempts to divide and destabilise them ahead of his 2027 re-election bid.

Their concerns stem from growing speculation that President Ruto and his allies are courting Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as Kenya Kwanza intensifies its alliance-building through the so-called broad-based government.

“They are looking for Kalonzo every time, they think that Kalonzo will part ways with Gachagua and others in the united opposition so that the Mt Kenya region can be on the receiving end again,” said Gachagua in Kirinyaga. 

Speaking on KTN’s Spice FM yesterday morning, opposition leader Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP–K) warned that President Ruto was deliberately attempting to divide them and poach leaders from within their ranks.

“We know there are attempts to divide us and you can see the President working very hard to poach from the opposition and feather his nest with serious leaders who will enable him get a second term.

“Eugene Wamalwa will be the last man standing and DAP-K will be the last party standing even if all leaders from the western region are induced to defect,” said Wamalwa.

Despite such assurances, cracks appear to be emerging within opposition ranks. People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua is reportedly unhappy with Gachagua’s insistence on having only one party in the Mt Kenya region.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader has also differed with Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta, who doubles as the chairperson of the Azimio coalition, telling him that his time in politics is over and he should retire.

Wamalwa is also said to be uneasy about the meteoric rise of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who has increasingly positioned himself as an alternative political voice in western Kenya and is touted as a potential deputy presidential candidate in 2027.

Trouble is also brewing in Kisii, where supporters of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i have accused Gachagua of disrespecting their leader and attempting to block his presidential ambitions.

So far, DAP–K, PLP and Wiper have endorsed their party leaders to run for the presidency, with DCP and others expected to make similar announcements. Even as they vow to maintain unity, the opposition leaders have emphasised the need to strengthen their individual parties as part of building a formidable coalition for the next General Election.

“If we allow Ruto to divide us as a community within Mt Kenya, we are finished. We will face extinction. The only way for us to survive as a people is to remain united,” said Gachagua.

 Karua, on her part, said the opposition would not be bullied or divided, insisting that it represents the face of Kenya and is a diverse group ready to form the next government.

She added that the opposition leaders would develop a formula for joint nominations acceptable to all.

“If you are afraid of differences of opinion in your own house, what will happen when you go out there? Will you survive?” she asked.

Karua reiterated that the opposition, though composed of many parties, would continue to work together, adding that Kenya’s multi-party democracy must be respected.

Amid claims that DCP has been pushing to dominate the united opposition, Karua assured Kenyans that everyone is free to join the party of their choice. “We are a multi-party democracy. We have seen before that when one party has all the power, it can easily be abused. That is why we need multiple parties across the country,” she explained.

She dismissed Ruto’s claim that the opposition lacks an agenda, saying they are ready to fix what has gone wrong — from healthcare and the economy to corruption and public sector privatisation.

Gachagua has meanwhile faced backlash for allegedly disrespecting women leaders in the Mt Kenya region.

“I have great respect for our women leaders across the country, but if they are used to incite violence against Kenyans, we shall deal with them as we do with men. Once you engage in criminal activities, a criminal is a criminal — man or woman, it does not matter,” said Gachagua.

In a sharp rejoinder, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria rebuked Gachagua, urging him to stop insulting women.