Spotlight on Kalonzo over opposition lull in Gachagua's absence

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has come under scrutiny over what critics term as a lacklustre opposition role during the absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kalonzo, who styles himself as leader of the United Opposition, was expected to sustain momentum against the government while Gachagua was away.

In recent months, the former DP has been credited with consolidating the Mt Kenya vote bloc and injecting fresh energy into the opposition.

While Kalonzo has continued to fault the government through press statements, church platforms and civic gatherings, observers say his political activity has remained limited.

During this period, he cautioned the Ruto administration against privatising the Kenya Pipeline Company, questioned the distribution of 25,000 tonnes of imported sugar and urged adherence to the constitution at the Law Society of Kenya conference.

By contrast, former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i held strategy meetings in Meru and Laikipia, hosted by PNU leader Peter Munya.

Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya (UDA) argued that Kalonzo failed to capitalise on Gachagua’s absence to assert himself.

“But we have not felt him at all. Instead, Kenya Kwanza has gained traction in Ukambani because of Kalonzo’s lackluster approach,” Kawaya told the Star by phone.

He noted that government-allied leaders had organised events in the region, including an empowerment programme for boda boda, tuk tuk and maruti riders in Machakos town, hosted by MP Caleb Mule.

Referencing the 2022 running mate interviews, Kawaya suggested that Gachagua might also be testing Kalonzo’s ability to stand alone.

“Kalonzo is not built for opposition. He just can’t survive there. Maybe he is better suited for diplomacy within government,” Kawaya added.

Political analyst Charles Mulila argued that Kalonzo appears to be waiting for a “2002 moment,” with Gachagua playing a Raila Odinga-like role in a possible endorsement.

“While Gachagua was away, President Ruto consolidated his ties with Raila. Then luck struck Ruto’s camp with Harambee Stars’ performance at Chan, which drained momentum from both Kalonzo and Gachagua camps. If the Stars go all the way, Ruto will ride a political wave only he can sustain,” Mulila observed.

Kalonzo allies, however, dismissed claims of inactivity. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said the Wiper leader had also been abroad meeting allies in West Africa, the UK and Germany.

“When he returned, we faced police attacks with live ammunition. If it’s about meetings, we held them with other opposition leaders—didn’t you see Robert Mbui there? We were also in Kajiado. I have continued programmes on TV and radio,” Maanzo said.

He insisted that opposition activities were disrupted by the state.

“President Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered the disruption of our meetings. Given the circumstances, we had to halt rallies and even consider armoured cars for protection,” Maanzo added.

He further argued it was unfair to brand Kalonzo as missing in action, noting that Wiper was part of the United Opposition team that petitioned Ipoa over police brutality during disrupted protests.

Questions over Kalonzo’s visibility resurfaced on Thursday after he skipped Gachagua’s return from a US trip.

None of the opposition principals were present, leaving the DCP leader to be received only by his party officials, supporters and MPs—mostly from Mt Kenya.

Instant analysis