Senior political and security leaders within the government of William Ruto are facing mounting political turmoil that threatens to destabilize the broad-based government and fuel opposition momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some of the officials are accused of engaging in internal power struggles aimed at securing their political futures while simultaneously consolidating the President’s position—exposing growing cracks within the administration.
Violence at opposition rallies, allegedly involving police and hired gangs, has drawn sharp criticism, with increasing claims that state resources are being used to bolster the President’s political campaigns.
Within the coalition, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused senior government figures of bribing its Members of Parliament with millions of shillings to defect to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The MPs are reportedly being promised campaign funding in a bid to weaken ODM’s bargaining power in pre-election coalition negotiations.
Among those facing criticism from both opposition figures and pro-government leaders are Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
In the Mount Kenya region, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blamed Ichung’wah for violence witnessed in Kikuyu, while Ichung’wah in turn accused Gachagua of fueling the unrest.
Murkomen and Omollo have also come under fire following a rise in attacks linked to criminal gangs, particularly after the assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The internal rift was further exposed by Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, who alleged a coordinated scheme to bribe ODM lawmakers.
“Our MPs are being offered money to join UDA. This is a plan to reduce ODM into a regional party confined to Luo Nyanza,” he said.
ODM has threatened to withdraw from the government if the President does not intervene.
However, UDA leaders have dismissed the allegations. Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said those joining the party are doing so voluntarily due to its growing popularity. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula also denied claims of bribery, insisting his defection was voluntary.
In the Nyanza region, Omollo has been at the center of political tensions, with some leaders accusing him of strengthening UDA while undermining ODM. However, MPs including Millie Odhiambo and Jared Okello have defended him.
Meanwhile, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have called for investigations and possible arrests over alleged involvement in the violence.
Dr. Omollo has denied the claims, stating that the government will not tolerate crime or politically instigated violence.
Murkomen also urged leaders to steer away from violent politics and focus on policy-driven debates instead.
However, Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni raised concerns that only opposition gatherings appear to be targeted, questioning possible state involvement.
Gachagua maintained that intimidation and use of force will not stop political change.
The rising tensions come as Kenya’s political environment grows increasingly fragile, with all sides positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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