Duale: Opposition in-house fights causing their candidates to drop out in by-elections

Speaking in Kajiado County on Tuesday, September 30, Duale criticised the opposition, saying it lacks a clear agenda. 

Duale claims that growing disagreements among opposition leaders have led to confusion, pushing some candidates to step down. 

"The opposition has started fighting among themselves, that's why the candidates are dropping," Duale said. 

He argued that the ongoing infighting reflects poor leadership and lack of readiness within the opposition. 

He questioned the seriousness of opposition leaders, asking why they aren't addressing the wave of withdrawals. 

"And if you are a serious politician and you see at the rate which your candidates are dropping, you must ask yourself what is going on," he said. 

Duale also stated that slogans like "Ruto must go" are not a meaningful political agenda. 

“The opposition cannot offer leadership when it is constantly fighting itself,” he said. “They are misleading their supporters and have no clear political direction.” 

He urged Kenyans to support political parties that promote unity and development, adding that political maturity is crucial as the country moves toward future elections. 

This comes just days after Furaha Chengo, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate for Magarini, resigned from the party. Chengo, a National Executive Committee member, cited frustrations with party leadership. 

In his resignation letter dated Monday, September 29, 2025, Chengo blamed the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) and expressed disappointment with the Secretary General, Hezron Obaga. 

“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as a National Executive Committee (NEC) member, effective immediately. This decision has not been taken lightly, but I can no longer continue in a role where my efforts are undermined by systemic inefficiencies and a lack of support from key party officials,” his statement read. 

Following internal deliberations, DCP has withdrawn from three races ahead of the by-elections scheduled for November 27. 

In a statement issued on September, the party said the decision was made during a National Executive Council meeting as part of a broader strategy for the mini polls. 

The party announced it will not contest the Muumbini Ward seat in Makueni County, choosing instead to support the Wiper Party led by Kalonzo Musyoka. 

DCP will also back the Democratic Party in the race for Mbeere North parliamentary seat, which became vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service. 

To improve its internal processes, DCP has established a National Elections Board and an Internal Disputes Resolution Committee to oversee nominations and address internal disputes. 

The upcoming by-elections will take place across several constituencies, with both government and opposition parties expected to participate.