Cracks in opposition? Questions as parallel statements emerge ahead of Jamhuri Day

United Opposition leaders on Thursday issued two parallel State of the Nation statements as top principals of the outfit remained conspicuously missing during a media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday.

Although the principals have downplayed talk of divisions in the union, the differences—which had recently been in the public limelight—seem palpable.

The leaders have collectively blasted President William Ruto’s administration for, among other things, what they called a silent auction of the country’s strategic assets without public participation, even as the country marks 62 years of being a republic.

During the media briefing, they stepped out in a show of unity as the top principals of the United Opposition on the eve of the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations.

As they paraded their unity, several figures were conspicuously missing. PLP party leader Martha Karua, Jubilee Party deputy party leader Dr Fred Matiang’i, and the group’s spokesperson Mukhisa Kituyi were not present.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, who was tasked with reading the United Opposition statement on behalf of the rest of the principals, was quick to dismiss talk of cracks in the camp.

"You remember when we started here on the 27th of January, Gachagua and Kalonzo were… Matiangi was not there but he sent Senator Onyonka, today, he sent Senator Orwoba here… treat those as rumours. We are united and set on the goal," he said.

However, a few hours after the statement by the United Opposition, another communiqué by the United Opposition wing—which was a no-show at Chui House—was also released, complete with pictures at another venue.

Though similar in content, the lack of coordination in the releases has raised eyebrows on whether the opposition’s centre still holds.

The members who were absent during the address had held another closed-door session, reportedly to receive new members into the outfit. Contacted on the phone, Dr Kituyi said he was out of town, adding that some principals had given their event a wide berth without apology.

“What used to be Raila phobia has become Rigathi phobia. They want to divide Gachagua and Kalonzo, Gachagua and Wamalwa. We will not allow it," said Wamalwa.

This comes as the team also sustained their onslaught on President Ruto, labelling him a later-day neocolonialist who was auctioning the sovereignty of the people without the consent of its citizens.

"We stopped them when they were trying to auction JKIA. If outsiders are trying to buy Kenyan assets without we, the people, we want to tell them they will be counter mandated," said Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.

Wamalwa added, “Safaricom had its 15% of its shares sold at a fraction of its true value. KPC, the lifeline of our Kenyan energy sector, also faced the same effect. This is neocolonialism and a quiet neocolonialism.”

The leaders warned Kenyans against being hoodwinked by President Ruto.

“Those who are using the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, as you go to Christmas, you will notice there’s only a signboard at Rironi–Mau Summit. There’s no work ongoing. Those are lies by William Ruto," DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua stated.

His DP counterpart, Justin Muturi, added: “If you ever see William Ruto pursuing a matter that on the face of it appears to be of the benefit of the public, please be careful.”

President Ruto will tomorrow, Friday, lead the nation in celebrating the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium.