Jubilee Leader Blasts Gachagua Over Threats to Quit Opposition, Says Movement Will Survive Without Him

Jubilee Party Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Caucus Chairperson Hana Wanja Maina has dismissed suggestions that the United Opposition could collapse if former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua walks away, as divisions among opposition leaders continue to deepen.

Maina took aim at Gachagua over remarks that he could become angry, pack his bags and move to the United States permanently if other leaders disobeyed him.

In a strongly worded statement, she accused the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader of expecting unquestioning loyalty from his political allies, arguing that no individual should place himself above the opposition’s collective agenda.

“He seems to expect us to ask, ‘How high?’ when he says jump, rather than ask why,” Maina wrote.

She questioned what would happen if Gachagua left the political outfit, drawing a comparison with the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

“If Kenya could survive the departure of a political giant like Raila, surely the United Opposition would not collapse in Gachagua’s absence,” she added.

Maina further argued that political movements should be guided by shared programmes rather than individual personalities.

“Nobody is bigger than the cause they claim to champion. Within the opposition, no one is above the programme,” she declared, describing Gachagua as the weakest link in the coalition.

Her remarks come amid an escalating row between Gachagua, Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi over how the opposition should organise itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Matiang’i has accused Gachagua of promoting “majoritarian arrogance”, warning that his approach could fracture the coalition.

Muturi has also accused the former Deputy President of political bullying and questioned whether his proposed alliances serve the opposition’s shared presidential ambition.

Gachagua has hit back, challenging his critics to demonstrate their ability to mobilise voters, insisting that electoral numbers are key to defeating President William Ruto.

The exchanges have exposed growing disagreements over leadership, coalition building and the process of choosing a common presidential candidate.

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