Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of arrogance and political pride in the ongoing efforts to unite opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i warned that the growing perception among some opposition figures that they have sufficient political strength to determine the country's leadership without involving other players could undermine unity and weaken their chances of defeating President William Ruto.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions among opposition leaders on how to build a formidable political alliance and agree on a single presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in the next general election.
Speaking about the state of opposition politics, Matiang’i cautioned against what he described as an attitude of entitlement among some leaders, arguing that no individual or political group should consider itself powerful enough to dictate the direction of the opposition.
He observed that political arrogance and the tendency to sideline other leaders could create divisions within the opposition at a time when cooperation and mutual respect are needed to build a winning coalition.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary further challenged the idea that certain communities or political formations could independently determine the country's political future based on their numerical strength or perceived influence.
According to Matiang’i, every community has a role to play in shaping the country's leadership, and no group should be dismissed or excluded from political negotiations because of its perceived electoral numbers.
He maintained that the process of identifying a presidential candidate should be guided by leadership capacity, national appeal and the ability to convince Kenyans through clear ideas and development plans rather than calculations based on ethnic identities.
Matiang’i also questioned the assumption that removing President Ruto from power would be an easy undertaking, suggesting that opposition leaders needed more than political declarations and numerical projections to secure victory in 2027.
His comments appear to expose underlying differences within the opposition over leadership, political influence and the formula for sharing power should the alliance win the next election.
Gachagua has in recent political engagements spoken about the possibility of working with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to form the next government.
The proposed political arrangement has fuelled discussions about the emerging alliances and the possibility of a united opposition front against the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, Matiang’i's latest remarks raise questions about whether opposition leaders can overcome personal ambitions and competing political interests to establish a common position ahead of the elections.
