The unity in the Opposition appears increasingly elusive after the Edwin Sifuna‑led Linda Mwananchi Movement backed away from rallies in Ol Kalou Constituency this weekend.
The Movement has instead scheduled a meeting in Nyahururu Town on Sunday, July 12, following objections from Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who insisted the Ol Kalou by‑election campaigns should be left to local leaders.
Confirming the change on Friday, July 10, 2026, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced that the Movement would only visit Nyahururu Town, dropping Ol Kalou from its itinerary.
“Linda will only go to Nyahururu Town,” Governor Kang’ata stated.
Initially, the Opposition grouping had planned four stopovers in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties at Ngorika AIPCA, Tumaini Shopping Centre, Ol Kalou and Nyahururu Town.
The revised poster, rebranded as the Nyahururu Town Tour, removed Tumaini and Ol Kalou, leaving only AIPCA and Nyahururu Town.
The changes came hours after Gachagua directed the Movement and Kang’ata to stay away from Ol Kalou, arguing the contest was a local affair led by DCP leaders.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata speaks in Kisii as MP Babu Owino looks on during a Linda Mwananchi rally in July 2026. (Photo: Linda Mwananchi/Facebook)
Speaking at DCP headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, Gachagua said outsiders should not “parachute” into the constituency at the final stages of the campaign.
“I want to tell my brother Kang’ata I heard him saying that he wants to come with Linda Mwananchi to Ol Kalou. We don’t need you there for DCP, unless you are coming to campaign for another party.”
He added that Kang’ata lacked familiarity with the constituency and its political dynamics.
“Kang’ata has never been Ol Kalou. He does not understand Ol Kalou, its issues and the narrative. He cannot come and bring Linda Mwananchi to campaign on the last day without knowing what the issues are and how the campaign is being done.”
The remarks underscored DCP’s push to keep campaigns centred on local leaders ahead of the July 16 by‑election.
The changes have exposed cracks in the Opposition and raised questions about its ability to unite against President William Ruto’s reelection bid.
Although Nyahururu lies in neighbouring Laikipia County, it remains politically significant to Nyandarua residents, many of whom regard it as the county’s historical commercial hub.
Before devolution, Nyandarua leaders unsuccessfully lobbied for Nyahururu to be the county headquarters before Ol Kalou was designated as the seat. The constituency votes on July 16 to elect a successor to former Jubilee MP Njuguna Kiaraho, who died on March 29.
Nine candidates are contesting, eight aligned with opposition parties and one backed by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Muchina Nyagah.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua. (Photo: X/Rigathi Gachagua)
The opposition field includes DCP’s Kamau Ngotho, Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee), Edwin Muchiri (PNU), Rachel Wangui (PDP), Mathenge Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), Abdifatah Hussein (FPK), Timothy Kamau (PRP) and Stephen Wanyoike (NLP).
The fragmented slate contrasts with opposition leaders’ efforts, led by Gachagua, Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua (PLP), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP‑K), George Natembeya and Justin Muturi (DP), to forge a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
While Gachagua has openly campaigned for DCP’s Ngotho, Jubilee has fielded Kigwa, turning the race into what observers describe as a referendum on Mt Kenya’s political direction.
The picture is further complicated by Matiang’i’s cooperation pact with PNU leader Peter Munya. Despite the alliance, PNU has fielded Edwin Muchiri, splitting the opposition vote further.
Some opposition principals have stayed away from campaigning for their own party candidates, while contradictions have surfaced on the trail.
Jubilee‑nominated MP Sabina Chege, for instance, has campaigned for UDA’s Nyagah instead of her party’s candidate, Kigwa.
It remains unclear which candidate the Linda Mwananchi team will endorse during the Nyahururu tour.
Gachagua has also announced he will campaign for Kamau in the constituency on the same day, with plans for a three‑hour live media interview from Senator John Methu’s home in Mugumo village before joining campaign activities.
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