Karungo to Gachagua: Engage Uhuru, not Matiang’i, on Jubilee coalition talks

Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has urged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to engage Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta, rather than Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, in talks on a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a political rally in Kiambu, Karungo claimed that leaders within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) had agreed that Gachagua should limit his coalition discussions to party leaders.

“We have issued a directive to Riggy G. Next time when you talk to people about coalition and presidency, you should only talk with party leaders,” Karungo said.

He cited Jubilee Party as an example, arguing that Gachagua should approach former President Uhuru Kenyatta if he wants to discuss a possible coalition involving the party.

“In Jubilee, Rigathi Gachagua, if you want to talk with someone, talk to Uhuru Kenyatta. He is the party leader,” he said.

Karungo's remarks appeared to distinguish between Jubilee's party leadership and the role of Matiang’i, who serves as the party's deputy leader.

He went on to suggest that DCP Deputy party leader Cleophas Malala should handle engagements with Matiang’i.

“Cleophas Malala, we have left you with Matiang’i; that is your league,” Karungo said.

The senator’s comments come as allies of Gachagua continue to mobilise support around his political camp ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition leaders exploring possible alliances to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.

Gachagua has increasingly positioned himself within the opposition flagbearer.

This is as parties and political figures weigh possible partnerships ahead of the next polls.

The opposition has increasingly presented unity as its strongest path to mounting a serious challenge, but fresh disagreements among its key players are exposing cracks in the emerging alliance.

Some leaders have accused the ex-DP of trying to dominate smaller opposition parties and pushing them to fold into his DCP as part of efforts to build a united opposition.

But Gachagua maintains that his push is not about taking over smaller parties, but bringing opposition leaders together ahead of the polls.

Earlier this week, the leader argued that the opposition should first consolidate support across the country before settling on the individual who will challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua urged opposition leaders to stop spending time in workshops, seminars and strategic meetings over who should lead them, and instead focus on building a strong national voting bloc.

“Plan ni kufunga, hakuna formula ingine. The plan is to lock. You saw how I locked Ol Kalou,” Gachagua told a delegation from Subukia Constituency during a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence.