Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has expressed confidence that opposition leaders can overcome their political differences and unite behind a common strategy to defeat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i said the opposition was determined to build a strong political alliance capable of mounting a serious challenge against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He declared that the coalition would pursue victory with what he described as “military precision”, insisting that its leaders were prepared to work together despite recent disagreements.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary made the remarks during a church service in Narumoru, Nyeri County, where he appeared alongside People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Addressing the congregation, Matiang’i said Kenyans expected opposition politicians to concentrate on building a united political movement instead of engaging in public disputes.
He maintained that the country needed a coordinated opposition team with a clear objective and the ability to work towards a common electoral goal.
“We will deliver victory with military precision. We will form a team of the opposition that is totally and absolutely unbeatable,” Matiang’i said.
Matiang’i urges opposition leaders to put differences aside
Matiang’i argued that national unity had played an important role in Kenya’s political history, particularly during difficult periods when leaders and citizens were required to work together.
He referenced the Lancaster House negotiations, which paved the way for Kenya’s independence, as an example of the sacrifices and collective effort that helped shape the country.
According to the Jubilee leader, the opposition should draw lessons from that history by placing national interests above individual political disagreements.
He said the country’s current challenges required political leaders to focus on finding solutions rather than allowing internal disputes to dominate public discussions.
Matiang’i maintained that opposition politicians understood the problems facing Kenyans and should now concentrate on developing a common approach to addressing them.
He also emphasised that the proposed alliance needed to accommodate different political interests if it was to become a credible national movement.
Remarks come amid tensions with Gachagua
The latest declaration comes after a public disagreement between Matiang’i and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over the proposed structure of the opposition coalition.
The disagreement emerged after Gachagua advocated for a political arrangement involving three major blocs, with influential political formations expected to contribute towards building a strong electoral alliance.
Matiang’i criticised the approach, warning that organising the opposition around regional and ethnic considerations could weaken its efforts to unite the country.
He argued that political leadership should be based on ability and national appeal rather than the perceived numerical strength of particular communities.
During an earlier television interview, the former Cabinet Secretary warned that excessive confidence in regional voting blocs could create divisions within the opposition.
He said such an approach risked making it harder for different political leaders to agree on a common political direction.
The disagreement raised questions about whether competing ambitions and differences over coalition leadership could interfere with plans to select a joint presidential candidate.
Nairobi meeting signals renewed efforts to restore unity
In an apparent effort to calm the political tensions, Matiang’i later held a meeting with Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka in Nairobi.
Photographs showing the three politicians together were subsequently shared on social media, attracting attention amid growing calls for opposition unity.
Matiang’i accompanied the images with a message emphasising the need for cooperation, stating that political differences should not come before the interests of the country.
“Brothers will always put Kenya first,” he wrote.
Gachagua also played down the disagreement, describing the differences among opposition leaders as sibling rivalry.
He indicated that he remained committed to continued consultations with other political principals to prevent disagreements from disrupting the coalition-building process.
The latest remarks by Matiang’i in Nyeri appear to reinforce that message, with the Jubilee leader presenting unity as a central requirement for the opposition’s electoral ambitions.
Opposition yet to settle on 2027 presidential candidate
Despite renewed declarations of cooperation, the opposition still faces the difficult task of deciding who will lead its presidential campaign in 2027.
Several influential figures within the political camp have presidential ambitions, making the process of selecting a single candidate a major test of their unity.
The opposition has maintained that it intends to field one presidential candidate alongside a running mate rather than divide its support among competing candidates.
However, the leaders have yet to publicly announce a definitive formula for choosing the flagbearer.
The process is likely to require negotiations over party representation, political influence and the interests of different regions.
Matiang’i’s call for a united and disciplined opposition therefore comes at a time when political cooperation will be crucial to determining the coalition’s future.
Although his confidence in achieving victory with “military precision” signals determination, the opposition will ultimately be judged by its ability to translate public promises into practical agreements.
Whether the leaders can maintain their cooperation, agree on a presidential candidate and present a convincing alternative to the current administration remains one of the major questions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Also Read: Why Matiang’i, Gachagua and Kalonzo’s Reconciliation May Not Stop Opposition Wrangles