In a public statement on social media, Kibagendi questioned Gachagua’s authority to dictate terms to the broader opposition and accused him of attempting to dominate power-sharing talks ahead of the 2027 General Election. The discussions at the Nyeri residence involved Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna alongside other key opposition figures.
“When he invited Linda Mwananchi to Wamunyoro, I am informed that he demanded half of the government. Who does he think he is?” Kibagendi asked.
The lawmaker argued that several leaders had already built the opposition movement and challenged the Kenya Kwanza administration long before Gachagua joined their ranks following his impeachment. He raised concerns over whether Gachagua intends to control a future administration by installing leaders accountable directly to him.
Recalling a 2023 development meeting with Gusii lawmakers, Kibagendi alleged that Gachagua questioned why opposition MPs expected national government funding while opposing the administration.
According to Kibagendi, Gachagua told him to seek infrastructure and road development for Kitutu Chache South from the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kibagendi walked out of the meeting despite attempts by fellow MPs, including Silvanus Osoro, to persuade him to stay.
The incident, he noted, cemented his decision to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration over policies such as the housing levy and regional development imbalances.
Kibagendi also accused Gachagua of trying to isolate prominent opposition figures who hold independent political positions, citing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, former CS Peter Munya, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Addressing Gachagua’s recent media interview on Inooro FM, Kibagendi rejected the former deputy president’s suggestion that he could form a government exclusively alongside Sifuna and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. He warned that excluding key stakeholders undermines efforts to present a cohesive opposition front against President William Ruto.
Emphasizing that no individual holds exclusive ownership over the United Opposition, Kibagendi called for mutual respect across all member parties.
“I am not in any way demanding that Matiang’i or Sifuna or Kalonzo must be the opposition flag bearers, but there must be unity in the opposition; there has to be respect for everyone, and that unity should be on getting this oppressive regime out and making Kenya better,” Kibagendi said.
He warned that continued infighting and individual power plays will erode the opposition’s momentum and weaken its challenge to President Ruto in 2027.
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