ODM Senator Claims Kalonzo Musyoka Is Headed out of Opposition after Skipping Gachagua’s Return
Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has weighed in on the political significance of the absence of opposition leaders during Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). According to Oketch, the no-show by key figures in the opposition was not accidental but rather a clear signal of the shifting political ground.
On Thursday, August 21, Gachagua landed at JKIA to a warm reception from his close allies and loyal supporters. The crowd had camped at the airport since morning to welcome him back, waving placards and chanting in his support. Despite the enthusiasm among his followers, the event was marked by the conspicuous absence of senior opposition principals who are considered part of Gachagua’s political wing.
The deputy president’s political camp has in the past included heavyweights such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. Their absence, Oketch argued, was symbolic and spoke volumes about the current state of political alliances.
According to the senator, the decision by these leaders to skip the reception shows a silent but firm rejection of Gachagua’s ongoing political undertakings. He went further to single out Kalonzo Musyoka, who has recently been at the centre of speculation over possible alignment with President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
“Kalonzo gives the hoax homecoming a wide berth; confirming he yields to joining broadbased after a number of secretive meetings. Reshuffle looming,” Senator Oketch remarked.
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Oketch’s statement comes at a time when Kenya’s political scene is dominated by discussions of shifting coalitions and looming realignments. The suggestion that Kalonzo could be preparing to join a broad-based government adds to the growing uncertainty within the opposition camp. Analysts argue that if Kalonzo were to cross over, it would not only weaken Gachagua’s faction but also reshape the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general election.
The senator’s comments also highlight increasing cracks within the opposition, where mistrust and competing interests continue to undermine unity. Gachagua, despite commanding a loyal base of supporters, may now find himself isolated if key principals like Kalonzo, Karua, Wamalwa, and Matiang’i drift away.
Political observers note that the absence at JKIA was not just about skipping an event—it was a calculated move meant to send a message. In Kenyan politics, symbolic gestures often carry more weight than public speeches, and in this case, the silence of the absent leaders could shape the next phase of alliances.
As speculation about cabinet reshuffles and political deals grows, Oketch’s remarks add more fuel to the fire. Whether Kalonzo and others will officially announce their shift remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the JKIA homecoming has exposed deep fractures that may redefine Kenya’s opposition politics in the months ahead.
ODM Senator Claims Kalonzo Musyoka Is Headed out of Opposition after Skipping Gachagua’s Return
