Political affairs commentator and lawyer Wahome Thuku has stated that Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua appears to feel betrayed following the June 25 Gen Z commemoration.

This is after a section of opposition principals, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, took part in activities to mark the anniversary.

In a Facebook post, Thuku claimed the three opposition leaders appeared to have a separate WhatsApp group through which they coordinated their plans for the day without involving Gachagua.

“I TOLD you many months ago that Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa have a separate WhatsApp group where they strategise.

“That’s how they planned to just appear in the streets yesterday without inviting the Molima kingpin. Now the Kipini has been explaining the whole night why he missed.”

Thuku went on to suggest that Kalonzo was keen to distinguish his political approach from Gachagua’s.

“Then there is something about Kalonzo, his determination to outdo Wamunyoro Star. Kalonzo is ever determined to shine and to emerge as the most mature one.”

The lawyer also referred to Gachagua’s absence from burial ceremonies held following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, linking it to previous remarks Gachagua had made.

“Remember the reason why Gachagua kept off all the Raila Odinga burial ceremonies from Nairobi to Siaya was because of the words he had used against Baba and Luos (bacterial remarks) just days earlier. And he used the derogatory words in the company of Kalonzo.”

He added:

“But Kalonzo took a whole herd of cattle to Bondo just to irritate the man from my county and to show the Luo that he was a different guy. Till today, Bondo is still waiting for bulls from Wamunyoro as promised.”

Rigathi Gachagua explains his absence in the June 25 protests

Thuku’s comments came hours after Gachagua explained why he did not participate in the June 25 commemorations despite being one of the country’s leading opposition figures.

Speaking to a local media station on Friday, June 26, 2026, Gachagua said his decision was informed by intelligence reports that suggested there were plans to trigger violence if he appeared in the streets.

“I had gathered intelligence from my government networks and the reality is that there were expectations that I would appear in the streets, creating an opportunity for goons and rogue security officers to cause mayhem,” he said.

“The plan was to create violence, loss of life and looting and then portray Mt Kenya as the centre of opposition to President William Ruto’s administration. That plan suffered a setback when I advised my supporters to stay away from the streets,” he said.

Gachagua said he believed asking his supporters to stay away from the demonstrations was the responsible course of action.

“I publicly asked my supporters not to participate because I have a duty to protect them from loss of life and destruction of property. Responsible leadership demands that I put their safety first,” he said.

The former Deputy President also dismissed suggestions that his absence pointed to divisions within the opposition.

“We are united by one objective of ensuring this government leaves office through a democratic vote in 2027. How individual opposition leaders mobilise their supporters may differ, but our common goal remains the same,” he said.

“We are principals with different constituencies and dynamics. There cannot be uniformity in every action. What matters is our shared commitment to offering Kenyans an alternative leadership in 2027.”

He added that mobilising the Mt Kenya region required careful political planning.

“Leading people into situations that may expose them to death, injuries and economic ruin cannot be part of a responsible opposition strategy. We will register our protest through the vote in 2027.”

No response

By the time of publication, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa had not publicly responded to Thuku’s assertion that they operate a separate WhatsApp group or to his suggestion that they deliberately left Gachagua out of their June 25 plans.

Similarly, Thuku did not provide evidence to support the existence of the alleged WhatsApp group.

His remarks remain his opinion and commentary on the events surrounding the June 25 commemorations.

The opposition leaders have publicly maintained that they remain united in their objective of seeking political change through democratic means, although they have acknowledged that different parties and leaders may adopt different strategies in pursuing that goal.