The anticipated collaboration, aimed at forming a strong coalition, is encountering resistance from within their own political circles and from recent shifts in political alignments.
Gachagua and Musyoka, who had previously indicated their intention to work together, are now grappling with internal disagreements and unexpected political moves.
The latest development is a clear indication of the difficulties they face in consolidating support for their coalition.
Recently, Members of Parliament from the Mt. Kenya region have shown increasing signs of distancing themselves from Gachagua. On Thursday, 48 MPs from Mt. Kenya West publicly pledged their support for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
This decision came shortly after 14 MPs from Mt. Kenya East had also declared their backing for Kindiki, indicating a shift in regional political loyalties.
This public split among Mt. Kenya MPs is particularly damaging for Gachagua, as he is a prominent political figure from the region. The shift in support away from him suggests growing dissatisfaction and a possible realignment of political priorities among his regional colleagues.
Compounding Gachagua's challenges, Charity Ngilu, the leader of the Narc party, has also made a notable change in her political stance.
On September 6, Ngilu urged Kamba leaders and the community to support President William Ruto’s government. She argued that aligning with Ruto’s administration would benefit the Kamba region in terms of development.
Ngilu’s call for support for Ruto contrasts sharply with Musyoka’s position. Musyoka has been critical of Ruto’s government and has expressed his intention to continue this opposition as he prepares to challenge Ruto in the upcoming election.
This divergence in political strategy between Ngilu and Musyoka has created additional complications for their proposed coalition.
The timing of these political developments is particularly significant. Earlier in the year, on June 21, Musyoka and Gachagua had shared a public platform in Kiambu County, where they announced their intention to collaborate politically.
This meeting was seen by many as a sign of a growing alliance between the two leaders, suggesting that they were laying the groundwork for a united front in the 2027 elections.
Political analysts, including Gitile Naituli, had interpreted this joint appearance as an early indication of a broader plan to form a coalition. Naituli remarked that such a public display of unity was likely a strategic move to build a stronger political alliance.
However, the recent shifts in political support and the public endorsements for Ruto's government have made it clear that maintaining this alliance will be challenging. The internal disagreements within the Azimio la Umoja coalition and the realignment of political support in Mt. Kenya further complicate the situation.
For Gachagua and Musyoka, the path to forming a successful coalition is fraught with obstacles. They need to address the internal dissent within their parties and navigate the changing political landscape effectively.
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