DCP, Wiper deny power-sharing talks after Gachagua hosts Kalonzo

Speaking after the talks at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, DCP Secretary General John Methu and Kitui Senator Enock Wambua described the engagement as a routine visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two parties.

“This is a family matter and family members visit each other without notice. And it is one of those visits,” Methu said.

“The two leaders have committed that they will keep visiting each other as we try and build a more robust organisation between our organisation and their party.”

The meeting came amid speculation over possible political arrangements between Gachagua and leaders seeking to fly the opposition’s presidential flag against President William Ruto next year.

Wambua dismissed suggestions that the visit pointed to divisions or competing interests within the opposition, maintaining that the two parties remained united.

“For the naysayers who had their own speculations about the nature and objective of this visit, we are here to make it very, very clear that DCP and Wiper are inseparable,” he said.

According to Methu, the discussions focused on strengthening the opposition and consolidating support in its strongholds, while opening the door to other political parties with a shared agenda.

He said the two leaders had agreed to pursue partnerships with groups committed to ensuring President Ruto serves only one term.

“The two leaders have also agreed that we will continue to look for like-minded partners, like-minded parties and all other players who are actually real ‘wantam’ teams,” Methu said.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, who also attended the meeting, said the broader consultations would eventually address the opposition’s leadership line-up.

He described coalition building as a process of consultations and negotiations, with agreement on a common team preceding the allocation of roles.

“Until we agree to now form that one team, then after that we form the line-up for that team. Who shall be captain, who shall be the goalkeeper, who shall be the defender, who shall be the striker,” Wamalwa said.

Monday’s talks followed Gachagua’s meeting with the Linda Mwananchi team at the same residence last week, shortly after his return from the United States.

Wamalwa said opposition leaders would intensify consultations through December, expressing optimism that they could announce an agreement before the end of the year.

“We have reached a place where we can talk of how and when. So we are hoping with intensified consultations between now and December we should be able to give Kenyans a Christmas present,” he said.