By Mandere Onyinkwa
A simmering political standoff is unfolding within the opposition ranks after an exchange between Hezron Obaga of the Democratic Change Party (DCP) and Jeremiah Kioni of the Jubilee Party exposed sharp divisions ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement, Obaga—DCP’s National Secretary General—made it clear that his party will go it alone in the contest, signaling a break from previous cooperation attempts with Jubilee.
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“We will conduct free, fair, and transparent party nominations to identify our candidate,” Obaga said, while welcoming Jubilee to field its own aspirant.
“Democracy thrives on competition, and ultimately, the people will have the final say.”
However, his remarks carried an unmistakable tone of frustration over past political engagements.
Obaga cited failed collaboration efforts in Isiolo and Narok, accusing Jubilee of undermining earlier goodwill.
“We believed that in building a united alternative government, you would support DCP in Narok,” he said.
In a pointed declaration of independence, Obaga asserted: “DCP is not a junior partner, and we are not lesser players in this political space.”
But Jubilee, through its Deputy Party Leader Kioni, struck a defiant tone in response, insisting the party will firmly stake its claim in the Ol Kalou race.
“We will field a strong candidate for the upcoming Member of Parliament by-election,” Kioni said, while calling on opposition allies to close ranks behind Jubilee’s flagbearer.
“This contest will serve as a clear litmus test of our lives collective commitment to trust, cohesion, and the broader objective of presenting a united front.”
The exchange lays bare growing mistrust within the opposition, raising questions about the feasibility of a unified strategy.
