United Opposition hit by ‘mole’ tag as suspicion rocks coalition

United Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang'i, Mukhisa Kituyi, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua and Saitoti Torome after meeting in Nairobi to chart the way forward on September 8 /DENISH OCHIENG

The United Opposition is battling fresh turmoil after senior figures within the coalition openly traded accusations of infiltration, each party claiming the other is harbouring President William Ruto’s political spies.

What began as murmurs escalated into a full-blown blame-game last week, when DCP deputy party leaderCleophas Malala publicly accused senior members of DAP-K of acting as moles dispatched to destabilise the fragile coalition from within.

Malala accused Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya of being influenced by the National Intelligence Service to create divisions in the opposition.

“Natembeya is being used by NIS to come and split the opposition. The government realised we are on the verge of winning all these by-elections seats then it has given Natembeya money to divide people in Kisa ward so that a government candidate can win,” Malala fired at Natembeya who is also the deputy party leader of DAP-K.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP and DAP-Kenya are facing off with UDA for the Kisa East ward seat.

"The government directed him to disrupt the campaigns of the opposition in Kisa East so that the government could win. So Natembeya came here in Kisa East all the way from Trans Nzoia to cause division between DCP people and DAP-Kenya members."

The claims come days after DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa denied reports that he and Wiper leader Kalonzo were being targeted by President William Ruto in his (Ruto’s) scheme to scuttle and weaken the opposition.

"I got many calls from enquiring people, saying they had heard Kalonzo and I were being sought by Ruto. Even Gachagua asked if Ruto was indeed looking for us. And he said we should not leave him behind," Eugene said during the burial of the late JM Kariuki’s widow.

In an interview with the Star, the DAP-K boss maintained the opposition remains united, despite the differences among leaders in the team. 

“Yes, we are united but like in any family, there are challenges here and there. The issue is not whether we have issues, but how we handle those issues—how we resolve them—and so far, we are doing well as a coalition and we remain united,” Eugene said. 

Adding to the mix is suspicion surrounding the Jubilee Party’s motives. 

Gachagua has claimed that efforts to revive Jubilee are a calculated scheme by his political rivals, including Ruto's allies, to divide the Mt Kenya region and weaken its political unity.

Jubilee, alongside DCP, Wiper, DP, DAP-K and Martha Karua’s People’s Liberation Party are members of the United Opposition coalition.

The former ruling party recently unveiled ex-Interior CS Fred Matiang’i as its deputy party leader and 2027 presidential candidate.

In August, Gachagua’s lawyer Ndegwa Njiru publicly questioned the former Interior minister's loyalty to the opposition cause, insisting Matiang’i is an “NIS project”.

"Matiang'i is a state project. Gen Z said they are party-less, leader-less, then suddenly they started hyping up Matiang'i. Matiang'i is an NIS project," Njiru claimed while speaking on a vernacular station.

He also raised concerns about Matiang'i's commitment to joint opposition activities, citing instances where the former CS had allegedly declined to participate in collective political tours.

"When we were touring the country, we didn't get to go to Kisii because Matiang'i said he wasn't ready to return home. He didn't even come to Narok with us. Then he came back from the USA and didn't tell us, but went ahead to Meru. But he denied us the right to go to Kisii," Njiru pointed out.

The lawyer would later make a surprise u-turn, but the damage was already done.

"I have spoken to our brother Fred Matiangi and he has confidentially confirmed that he is firmly in opposition," Njiru said in his apology.

"Therefore, in the spirit of unity and our resolve to have the wantam-movement retain the necessary momentum, I wish to retract the statement unconditionally."

Jubilee officials hit back, saying DCP was creating imaginary enemies instead of addressing organisational lapses.

Analysts argue the claims expose deeper mistrust within the ranks and warn that unless the coalition tightens internal controls, the government will continue exploiting the divisions to its advantage.

Political analyst Prof Naitule Gitile said government infiltration of the opposition is neither new nor surprising.

While defending Natembeya from the accusations, Naituli, however, noted that Jubilee is the suspect in the nascent opposition team.

“About Jubilee, that is a possibility. It will be easier for Uhuru (Jubilee party leader) to protect what he has with the government of the day. The propertied class will not trust new people and that is where Jubilee fits,” Naituli told the Star.

“You can’t entirely vouch for Jubilee—that is why people have doubts in the party—and that is understandable.” 

Opposition leaders have, however, rubbished claims of internal rifts, insisting the coalition remains solid and focused on unseating Ruto in the 2027 general election.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said reports of factional wars are exaggerated and meant to sow confusion and weaken their push for change.

“We are united, focused and fully committed to delivering change. No amount of diversion will shake our resolve to send Ruto home in 2027,” Mwangangi told the Star on the phone.

According to Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, the United Opposition will weather the storm and remain intact for the 2027 race.

He noted that the ongoing blame game will be a thing of the past, and the focal point will remain winning power in 2027.

“Our unity is intact. Our mission is to form the next government and correct the bad policies and mistakes of this regime, which has made our people suffer,” Maanzo said.