The war of words within the United Opposition is spiraling out of control, threatening to destabilize the coalition before it even gains a firm political foothold.
Observers and political analysts are warning that unless the leadership moves quickly to restore order, the rift between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i could split the alliance and weaken its ambitions.
Tensions between the two leaders have been simmering for weeks but appeared to escalate following Matiang’i’s surprise appearance at a Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) chaired by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The move was immediately interpreted by many as a political betrayal, especially by members of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Gachagua.
Shortly after the event, a barrage of criticism was unleashed against Matiang’i by bloggers and digital influencers allied to Gachagua.
Many went as far as labeling him a “traitor” who had abandoned the unity of the opposition for personal political calculations.
The online onslaught exposed underlying mistrust within the United Opposition, which had been presenting itself as a viable alternative to President William Ruto’s administration.
The situation worsened when the United Opposition unveiled a campaign poster outlining its planned rallies across the country.
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Notably absent was Dr. Matiang’i’s name and image, sparking speculation of a major fallout.
The exclusion fueled questions about whether the former powerful minister still had a seat at the coalition’s high table or whether he was slowly being edged out.
To add to the confusion, Dr. Matiang’i later issued a public statement that seemed to take direct aim at Gachagua’s political strategy.
Speaking at an event in Nairobi, in remarks captured on video by NTV Kenya, Matiang’i declared that he would not be forced to join any particular political party.
“I want to remind Kenyans that politics is a matter of choice, not coercion,” Matiang’i said. “Nobody should be pressured to join a specific party simply because of their ethnic background or where they come from. Let us build a politics of ideas, not tribal affiliations.”
His remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled attack on Gachagua, who has been aggressively campaigning in the Mount Kenya region, urging residents to rally behind his DCP party.
Gachagua has repeatedly framed his party as the political voice of the region, urging locals to abandon what he describes as “outsider-led” outfits.
Matiang’i’s statement struck at the heart of this messaging, challenging the notion that communities should rally behind a single regional party. Instead, he positioned himself as a national figure seeking to champion issue-based politics—a stance that could appeal to voters tired of ethnic-based mobilization.
However, the public disagreement between the two leaders has exposed deep divisions that could compromise the United Opposition’s credibility.
Analysts note that while diversity of opinion within a coalition is normal, open hostility risks alienating supporters who are looking for unity and clarity of purpose.
The opposition cannot afford to go to the battlefield divided,” said political commentator Dr. Wycliffe Odhiambo. “The Gachagua-Matiang’i standoff is creating unnecessary noise and confusion. If they don’t resolve it, they will hand President Ruto an easy advantage.”
Already, ruling party strategists are believed to be watching the drama closely, viewing it as an opportunity to weaken the opposition’s momentum ahead of crucial by-elections and the 2027 general election.
Grassroots supporters, too, appear unsettled by the escalating tension. On social media platforms, Kenyans expressed concern that leaders in the United Opposition are spending more time attacking each other than presenting an alternative vision for the country.
“The people want solutions, not squabbles,” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user. “If they continue fighting, we will have no choice but to stick with the government.”
As things stand, the ball is in the court of opposition leaders to salvage the situation. Calls are growing for a crisis meeting to reconcile Gachagua and Matiang’i before the rift deepens further. Whether they can put aside personal ambitions and regional rivalries to forge a united front remains to be seen.
For now, the battle lines within the United Opposition seem clearer than ever: Gachagua pushing for regional consolidation under DCP, and Matiang’i pushing back with a message of national inclusivity. Unless the coalition manages to strike a balance between these competing visions, its dream of offering a formidable challenge in 2027 could unravel before it begins.
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