Jeremiah Kioni Warns Opposition Against Falling for Rigathi Gachagua ‘Political Cult’

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has cautioned opposition leaders against allowing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to centralize power within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during a Tuesday morning interview, the former Ndaragwa MP argued that the push to unseat President William Ruto has allowed personality politics to overshadow critical national issues. He warned that concentrating influence around Gachagua risks creating political strongmen instead of an accountable leadership structure.

"The United Opposition is now being defined by Rigathi Gachagua," Kioni said. "To deal with bullies, don't concentrate power in one person. Create a broader space where people can weed out those with bad intentions."

Kioni expressed deep concern over emerging rifts within opposition ranks, noting that politicians are increasingly acting out of self-preservation. He highlighted that several leaders are aligning with Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to safeguard their own ambitions, rather than focusing on building a unified alternative to the current administration.

"We've shifted from track records to personalities while Kenyans' issues remain unresolved," Kioni added. "Political cults are growing and accountability must come through the ballot."

The former lawmaker emphasized that voters expect a cohesive opposition capable of fielding a single presidential candidate against Ruto in 2027. However, internal disagreements and competing personal interests continue to threaten that goal.

Addressing his own political trajectory, Kioni dismissed speculation that recent betrayals by allies would push him to quit politics.

"I have been betrayed but that is no reason to be bitter or give up," Kioni stated. "It is not the end of the road. Jubilee found me in politics and my journey continues."

Opposition figures continue discussions to consolidate their strategy ahead of the next general election, though Kioni insisted that meaningful progress will require moving past individual ambitions and addressing everyday concerns facing Kenyans.