Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- The opposition that once promised a formidable challenge to President William Ruto in 2027 is creaking under the weight of egos and accusations of betrayal.

On the surface, the coalition appears intact, but behind closed doors, a silent war is unfolding, one that could soon spill into full-blown political chaos.

The latest flashpoint is a standoff between Wiper Party stalwarts and supporters of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

At the heart of the friction is an explosive accusation from Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, who on Monday, June 2, launched a blistering attack on Gachagua.

Makau accused the former DP of disrespecting Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and meddling in party affairs.

The MP’s fury was triggered by remarks Gachagua made during a recent rally after the meeting at Kalonzo’s Tseikuru home.

Gachagua reportedly chastised Wiper MPs, including Makau, for skipping the meeting, comments that quickly ignited tension within the alliance.

Makau didn’t hold back as he accused Gachagua of humiliating him and showing utter contempt for both Kalonzo Musyoka and the Wiper party.

"I am deeply disappointed to see a respected leader, who says he wants to lead Kenya, being someone like Gachagua, a man who was removed from the office of Deputy President, coming here to Mavoko pretending as if he wants to insult me in front of the people who elected me. I want to say that was a great embarrassment. I am an elected leader under the Wiper party, and for him to insult me in front of the Wiper party leader, to me, that was a great show of disrespect," the MP stated.

The remarks struck a chord with Makau’s constituents, who took to the streets, chanting slogans and waving placards demanding that Gachagua respect elected leaders.

Makau went further, accusing Gachagua of harbouring dictatorial tendencies and using public platforms to demean fellow leaders.

"You can't come to someone's home and then start badmouthing their son in such a demeaning way. So even speaking badly about me in front of the Wiper leader, who is my party leader, showed that he doesn’t respect the party, doesn’t respect the leader, and doesn’t even respect Members of Parliament," Makau continued.

The fallout stems from a deeper grudge with Makau claiming that Gachagua has never forgiven him for voting in support of a motion that led to his impeachment

"That Gachagua got angry because I voted for him to go home, he knows very well why I did that. He knows it’s because of the demolitions that happened in Mavoko. When I went to him, he knows exactly what he told me. Even if that vote were held again tomorrow, I would still vote for him to go home," the MP added.

The MP painted Gachagua as vindictive and unrepentant, accusing him of exploiting political spaces to settle personal scores and divide opposition ranks.

Earlier, Gachagua criticised Mt. Kenya leaders supporting Ruto, labelling them as "traitors" and urging residents to vote them out in 2027.

He accused these leaders of undermining the region's unity and enabling Ruto to marginalise their community.

Gachagua claimed the Kenya Kwanza administration had sidelined Mt. Kenya by removing its members from key positions.

Source: TUKO.co.ke