Political tension is brewing within the United Opposition after former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa threatened to withdraw his DAP–K party from the coalition if the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Rigathi Gachagua, fails to withdraw its candidate in the Malava parliamentary race.
Sources within DAP–K allege that Gachagua has been demanding Ksh 10 million from Seth Panyako for the DCP candidate to step down in favour of DAP–K’s aspirant. According to insiders, Gachagua maintains that the DCP has already spent over Ksh 10 million campaigning and promoting city lawyer Edgar Busiega, making it difficult for the party to withdraw him from the race without compensation.
Wamalwa, however, accuses Gachagua and his allies of greed, arrogance, and disrespect, saying such behaviour undermines the unity and trust within the coalition. He insists that the DAP–K has demonstrated goodwill by withdrawing its own candidates in other regions to support joint opposition efforts, yet Gachagua is “holding the alliance hostage” with what he termed as “high-handedness and appetite for money.”
“What we are witnessing is a betrayal of the principles of partnership and mutual respect. We cannot have one party demanding millions to cooperate while others are sacrificing for the greater good,” said Wamalwa.
The standoff reportedly deepened after Gachagua’s close ally Cleophas Wamalwa refused to support Eugene’s call, insisting that Busiega remains a strong candidate with growing grassroots support in Malava.
As tensions rise, observers warn that the fallout could weaken the opposition’s unity and strategy ahead of 2027, especially if Eugene Wamalwa follows through with his threat to exit the alliance.
Talks are ongoing, but insiders say positions remain hardened on both sides.
