Weak structures and egos threaten opposition unity ahead of election

The lack of a structure that accommodates all in the opposition, individual egos and lack of progressive messaging are among the major factors undermining the camp’s unity.

United Opposition’s spokesman Mukhisa Kituyi on Wednesday said internal rivalries, weak coalition structures and competing ambitions are threatening to fracture the anti-William Ruto alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking to Citizen TV, Kituyi acknowledged growing public anxiety over persistent divisions within the United Opposition, warning that failure to institutionalise unity could erode public confidence in the coalition.

“There’s growing public pressure that nobody should walk away from the table,” Kituyi said. “There is insufficient development of the mechanics of keeping everybody at the table.”

Kituyi, who was also named the opposition’s head of secretariat in September, added that going forward, the principals must remain true to their public pronouncements.

Kituyi particularly noted that personal ambition and political ego were emerging as major threats to unity.

“Going forward, the public declaration of commitment to being in one team and everyone saying they should not be the one responsible for the failure to keep the hope that Kenyans have is going to discipline people to purposefully sacrifice their ego and be ready to be part of a leadership in which they see themselves not as better than others,” he said.

Notably, Kituyi has himself been missing from the high-level meetings, and has barely issued communication of behalf of the camp since his announcement as the spokesperson last year.

His is also the strongest acknowledgement yet from within the coalition ranks that internal mistrust and competition remain unresolved, despite increasing public declarations that opposition leaders remain united.

It follows remarks and complains particularly from Jubilee deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni that all is not well in the opposition.

Kioni told Radio Generation that the lack of written document specifying guiding and organising principles, what they stand for and the coalition partners remain a challenge.

“And when you are trying to form a coalition while not in power, you can imagine the sort of things that will be thrown your way by those in power,” Kioni said.

He added that lack of clear leadership structure and the overlapping Azimio membership are complicating matters for the camp.

“United Opposition, even if it is not said and he may not admit it, but you can clearly say Rigathi Gachagua is its leader because where he is, is where the opposition is.

“Then we have Azimio which was in the process of handing over. Uhuru, who would want to exit an active role there, had asked Kalonzo to reorganise the unit (Azimio) as the senior politician. It is recognised by law, with a leadership structure and thus available for 2027,” he said.

Kioni has also openly criticised the coalition’s approach, warning that leaders are prioritising their individual political bases rather than building a unified national front.

Kituyi’s comments also pointed to a broader strategic concern on campaign messaging within the opposition and the risk of becoming defined solely by hostility toward Ruto rather than by a coherent national agenda.

“The opposition must position itself as a solution-driven force for Kenyans rather than engaging in political back-and-forth with the President,” he said.

Political analysts say that may reflect growing recognition within the coalition that anti-government anger alone may not be sufficient to sustain public support through to 2027. This is especially in an increasingly volatile political environment shaped by economic frustrations and youth-driven activism.

Kituyi warned opposition leaders against responding to political attacks with ethnic mobilisation, warning that such confrontations could deepen divisions and undermine the coalition’s national appeal.

“Let’s not fall into Ruto’s trap by answering ethnic bigotry with ethnic bigotry. We should be a reassuring force,” he added.

His warning comes at a time when ethnic rhetoric has increasingly resurfaced in national politics, particularly following recent remarks by UDA secretary general Hassan Omar.

This has presented political fodder for anti-Ruto axis to sustain criticism on the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kituyi, however, appeared keen to position the coalition instead as a stabilising national alternative capable of reassuring voters across regions and generations.

The former United Nations Conference on Trade and Development boss urged the opposition principals to avoid back-and-forth with Ruto and instead focus on unity.

He warned that opposition leaders risk losing credibility if they remain locked in confrontational politics with Ruto, instead of presenting themselves as a stabilising and hopeful alternative