The United Opposition coalition is facing an uncertain future after Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala rejected the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi as the coalition’s spokesperson.
The fallout came on September 5, hours after opposition leaders announced plans to unveil a formal outfit ahead of the November byelections and the 2027 General Election.
Coalition’s Plans for Unity
The coalition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Shagwa and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, held a four-hour meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Leaders resolved to launch an official name, symbol, and slogan on Monday as part of efforts to galvanize supporters.
Kituyi was appointed to head communications through a new secretariat, a move meant to strengthen coordination among the parties.
The coalition is expected to officially launch the name, symbol and slogan next week as part of a strategy to rally the opposition under one umbrella.
Malala’s Defiance
Malala, however, dismissed Kituyi’s appointment, saying he lacked the qualities to serve as the coalition’s voice. He also skipped the Nairobi meeting, signalling discontent within the alliance.
“My position on the choice of the spokesperson is that the united opposition deserves to demonstrate willingness in engaging with fresh youthful leadership that can propel the country to the next frontier of politics and governance, qualities which Kituyi is acutely lacking,” Malala said in response to the appointment.
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The divisions deepened further over the Malava constituency by-election slated for November. Coalition leaders had urged DCP and DAP-Kenya to field a single candidate to avoid splitting votes.
Malala stood firm that DCP would remain in the race, while DAP-Kenya also refused to step aside, setting the stage for internal rivalry.
Mukhisa Kituyi’s Appointment
Former Kimilili MP Mukhisa Kituyi was appointed as the opposition spokesperson and the Head of Secretariat on Wednesday 3, September 2025.
The announcement was made by Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka via a social media post.
Mukhisa was previously Kenya’s Minister of Trade and Industry from 2002 to 2007 and was the Chief Executive of the Kenya Institute of Governance.
Kituyi stepped down from UNCTAD to pursue a bid for the presidency but later withdrew his candidacy to support Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition during the 2022 presidential race.
Also Read: First Test for Gachagua as DCP Unveils Candidate to Challenge Ruto’s UDA
The United Opposition brings together six political parties under one umbrella.
The coalition is made up of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua; the Wiper Patriotic Front party, under Kalonzo Musyoka; the People’s Liberation Party, led by Martha Karua; the Democratic Action Party–Kenya, headed by Eugene Wamalwa; the Democratic Party, under Justin Muturi; and the Jubilee Party, which is represented by its chairman Torome Saitoti with the backing of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
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