Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emerged as the opposition leader most frequently blamed for divisions within the opposition, according to a new survey by TIFA Research.
The survey indicates that 43 per cent of opposition supporters believe Gachagua is primarily responsible for disagreements among opposition leaders, placing him significantly ahead of other political figures.
President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government were mentioned by 15 per cent of respondents, making them the second most frequently cited source of the divisions.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna followed with seven per cent, while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was mentioned by six per cent.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino each attracted four per cent of responses.
Other political figures mentioned included former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Ndindi Nyoro, each receiving two per cent.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was mentioned by one per cent of respondents.
Gachagua faces scrutiny over opposition unity
The findings place Gachagua at the centre of public perceptions about the opposition’s internal disagreements at a time when opposition leaders are under increasing pressure to unite ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Deputy President has been involved in efforts to consolidate an alternative political force against President Ruto, while disagreements over leadership, strategy and the choice of a presidential candidate have continued to complicate the opposition’s unity efforts.
TIFA noted that some respondents also hold President Ruto responsible for the disagreements, arguing that the government could be benefiting from, or potentially influencing, divisions among opposition leaders.
Opposition leaders face pressure ahead of 2027
The survey comes amid continued political negotiations involving several opposition figures seeking to establish a formidable challenge to Ruto’s re-election bid.
Kalonzo, Matiang’i, Gachagua, Sifuna and other leaders have featured prominently in discussions about opposition unity and the possibility of settling on a single presidential candidate.
However, differences over who should lead the opposition and how political parties should coordinate their campaigns have remained key obstacles.
The latest findings suggest that Gachagua bears the largest share of public blame for the divisions, although the survey does not establish whether he is actually responsible for the disagreements.
