Cracks are deepening in the united opposition front as a bitter territorial dispute between two prominent leaders threatens to undermine coalition unity in the Mount Kenya region.
Peter Munya, leader of the Party of National Unity (PNU), has openly challenged Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of interfering in Meru county politics.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into a heated exchange during a principals’ meeting in Nairobi last week, prompting both parties to boycott each other’s regional events.
The rift became glaringly apparent during Jubilee leader Fred Matiang’i’s visit to Meru on Thursday, June 4th.
While Munya and local PNU officials warmly welcomed Matiang’i for a tour featuring public rallies and meetings with youth, traders, and farmers, DCP representatives were notably absent.
Munya had previously announced that the visit would showcase opposition unity, with appearances planned from major figures including Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa, a strategic move designed to consolidate the opposition’s influence in the region.
However, DCP organizing secretary Linturi flatly rejected the arrangement, accusing Munya of unauthorized use of DCP leaders’ images on campaign materials without prior consultation.
This latest clash is part of an escalating pattern of hostility between the two leaders.
In recent weeks, they have publicly traded accusations at a funeral in Tigania East, while the defection of North Imenti parliamentary candidate Carol Karimi from DCP to PNU has further strained relations between the rival camps.