Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has finally responded after days of heated debate sparked by his attendance at a Jubilee Party National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The meeting, chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier this week, has ignited political tremors across the Mount Kenya region, exposing fresh cracks within the opposition camp.
Matiang’i’s presence at the meeting drew widespread attention, with many Kenyans interpreting it as a significant signal of new political alignments.
The gathering, attended by top Jubilee officials, was seen as a move by Kenyatta to reassert the party’s relevance and prepare the ground for a broader opposition coalition.
However, the event immediately drew criticism from leaders allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
They accused Matiang’i of betrayal, arguing that by associating with Uhuru Kenyatta, he was effectively endorsing attacks against Gachagua, who has recently been under intense fire from sections of the former president’s allies.
Social media platforms were abuzz, with critics questioning why Matiang’i would choose to “dine with Uhuru” at a time when the political climate in Mount Kenya remains deeply divided.
In what many analysts interpret as a carefully coded response, Matiang’i has now broken his silence. Speaking at a public function captured in a video circulating online, the former CS urged Kenyans not to succumb to political coercion.
“Kenyans should not be forced to join any political party in order to feel safe,” Matiang’i stated. “Leaders must respect the freedom of choice. If you have a good manifesto, then convince people to support you, but don’t dictate to them which parties to leave or join.”
His remarks, though seemingly general, were quickly decoded by political observers as a direct rebuttal to Deputy President Gachagua.
The DP has consistently urged the Mount Kenya community to abandon small political outfits and rally behind the Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP), which he has been fronting as the vehicle to safeguard the region’s political interests.
By emphasizing the principle of political freedom, Matiang’i positioned himself as a voice of neutrality in a rapidly polarizing environment.
His message also reflects broader frustrations within the opposition camp, where disunity and rivalries are undermining efforts to mount a formidable challenge to President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Analysts argue that the rift between Jubilee and DCP risks fragmenting the Mount Kenya vote, which remains critical in shaping national politics.
The perception that opposition leaders are engaged in internal squabbles, rather than consolidating their forces, has raised concerns about their preparedness for the next electoral contest.
The opposition cannot afford to project division at this stage,” remarked political commentator David Muriithi. “Matiang’i’s call for political freedom highlights the tension between Gachagua’s push for regional unity under DCP and Uhuru’s insistence on revitalizing Jubilee. Unless these leaders find common ground, Ruto’s camp will benefit from the disarray.”
For now, Matiang’i’s remarks have only deepened speculation about his political future. While he has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving government, his reemergence at Uhuru’s side and his latest comments suggest he is not entirely detached from the shifting tides of opposition politics.
With 2027 fast approaching, all eyes will remain on how figures like Matiang’i, Uhuru, and Gachagua navigate their alliances — and whether the opposition can overcome its internal battles to pose a united front against President Ruto.
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