Stephen Musungu
Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina Iraya did not hold back when it came to criticizing political figure Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of trying to “auction” their community’s support to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Wainaina’s remarks, made at a political event in Eldoret, have brought the question of alliances and tactics in the opposition camp further into the open and have created a fierce rivalry among the different factions.
Wainaina warned his followers about what he called a perilous political game that could disserve their community. According to him, some politicians are giving their personal ambitions a higher priority than the entire voters’ welfare, while he simply rejected the Gachagua-Kalonzo partnership as an undesired route. “My message to Gachagua is that we, as a community, will not be sold and auctioned to Kalonzo like goats. That will not happen,” affirmed Wainaina, urging that the long-term interests of the common people should be the ones guiding political activities, not the ones of a few leaders with their narrow agendas.
The MP’s comments come at a time when there is a lot of speculation regarding Gachagua’s political alliances and positioning as he looks to the future political contests. Some analysts opine that this strategy is meant to draw in voters from different blocs, which could be crucial in the following elections, while critics counter that it might alienate the existing supporters. Wainaina cautioned that without visible benefits to the community, politics can cause disillusionment and ultimately lead to the voters losing their bargaining power when it comes to elections.
Wainaina further criticized Gachagua for trying to re-establish his luck through rhetorical and political deals and indicated that the 2027 election could be Gachagua’s stepping stone to longer-term ambitions if he is indeed aligned with Kalonzo.
Opponents of the deal argue that the moves will push the grassroots concerns aside and allow the elite negotiations that have no public support to take place.
This controversy has intensified the already heated political debates within the opposition, with some leaders joining in and discussing the implications of the new alliances. A few people are afraid that public disputes might weaken the opposition’s strength during a period when they are supposed to be coordinated and thus effective in fighting the next electoral season.
The discussion mirrors the ongoing disagreements in Kenyan politics regarding tactics, loyalty, and representation, particularly when major political figures are attempting to form alliances that can provide them not only electorally but also with the support of their voter base through infrastructure running and development.
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