NAIROBI, Kenya- Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has called on opposition leaders to respect one another and put national interests ahead of personal ambitions, saying no politician or region owns the opposition.
In a statement, Kioni invoked former Vice-President the late Prof. George Saitoti’s words: “There comes a time when the nation is more important than an individual.”
He said that moment had arrived and urged leaders to uphold political freedom, allow disagreement and avoid intimidation.
“No one owns the opposition, no one owns a region, and no Kenyan is more Kenyan than another,” Kioni said.
He added that every Kenyan had the right to choose a political party, campaign in their own way and express their views without being bullied or condescended to.
Kioni warned that leaders could not call for democracy while silencing critics or treating political partners as subordinates.
He said leadership should be based on listening, persuasion and trust, rather than attempts to control who can participate in politics.
“Respect is earned, not demanded,” he said, urging his “brother” to show humility and respect leaders who disagree with him. Kioni did not name the person directly in the statement.
Remarks come amid opposition tensions
Kioni’s comments come as opposition leaders trade accusations over the approach to coalition-building ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi recently accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of political bullying and warned that his approach could undermine opposition unity.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), rejected the bullying charge, saying he was being frank when urging leaders to mobilise voters and work harder to build support.
He has also promoted a political arrangement linking Mt Kenya, Ukambani and Western Kenya, arguing that opposition leaders must discuss electoral numbers.
Kioni said the opposition could not become a collection of “personal fiefdoms” and competing egos, warning that the country was bigger than any individual, party, region or political ambition.
His appeal echoes an earlier warning he made against bullying and branding fellow opposition figures as “moles,” saying such labels could alienate potential supporters.
The latest exchange highlights growing disagreements within the opposition over leadership, regional influence and how to unite behind a candidate capable of challenging President William Ruto in 2027.
