Matiang’i Fires Back at Gachagua After Accusations of Boardroom Politics
Cracks are beginning to show within the United Opposition with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at the centre of a widening rift over who should lead the alliance into the 2027 General Election.
The two bigwigs, both seen as potential presidential candidates, are at loggerheads over how the coalition should choose its flagbearer. The disagreement has exposed growing divisions among opposition leaders who want to present a united front against President William Ruto’s government.
On Friday, October 3, Gachagua took a swipe at Matiang’i, saying he was trying to get the coalition’s endorsement “through backroom deals and hotel meetings” instead of through the people.
“Becoming President is about political mobilisation,” Gachagua said. “Some people want to spend their time in boardrooms discussing theories, but there’s no President made in a boardroom—Presidents are made in the field.”
Gachagua’s remarks were seen as a direct jab at Matiang’i whose political activities have been mostly closed-door consultations with key figures, particularly from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party which is said to favour him as its preferred candidate.
Matiang’i hit back, saying he will take his campaign to the people in the coming weeks. Addressing over 500 youths in Nakuru, the former CS said he will embark on a nationwide tour to connect with voters.
“Those calling me a technocrat who won’t campaign will be surprised,” Matiang’i said. “I will put on my Sketchers and visit every village in this country, talking to Kenyans about how we can rebuild our nation.”
The growing tension between Gachagua and Matiang’i adds to the series of internal disputes within the opposition coalition which has been struggling to maintain unity ahead of the 2027 election.
Sources within the alliance say other senior figures including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have also contributed to the unease following reports of his private meeting with President Ruto which has raised suspicion among coalition members.
As the scramble for the opposition ticket heats up, analysts warn that if the feuding continues it will weaken the coalition’s ability to present a united front against the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
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Matiang’i Fires Back at Gachagua After Accusations of Boardroom Politics