Nairobi, Kenya – October 6, 2025: Democratic for Citizen Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has denied reports of a fallout between himself and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, insisting that the opposition remains united as Kenya heads toward the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on KTN News, Gachagua criticised what he called deliberate efforts to sow division within the opposition camp.
“Some individuals are trying to influence opposition leaders individually so that a third force is created to divide the opposition,” Gachagua said, warning that such schemes would not succeed.
He added that those behind the alleged divisions were attempting to weaken the opposition coalition from within.
“If anyone leaves the united opposition to form a third force, Kenyans will not accept it,” Gachagua declared, asserting that the country’s opposition bloc would remain strong and focused on unseating President William Ruto in 2027.
Opposition Unity Amid 2027 Political Realignments
The remarks come amid growing speculation over internal tensions within the United Opposition Coalition, a political front bringing together leaders such as Gachagua, Matiang’i, Martha Karua, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
The coalition aims to present a single presidential candidate in 2027 to challenge President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua emphasised that the opposition’s main priority was to remain cohesive and issue-driven. He noted that infighting would only play into the hands of their political rivals.
“In 2027, whoever is chosen by the united opposition to face William Ruto will become the sixth President of Kenya,” he said.
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Matiang’i Denies Division Claims
Fred Matiang’i dismissed the talk of disunity, calling such rumors “wishful thinking” intended to destabilize the coalition.
“Aligning visions, perspectives, and convincing one another is a weighty issue. Our patience, perseverance, and patriotism will be tested, but we must overcome temptations and work together as expected by Kenyans,” Matiang’i said.
He admitted that political coordination takes time but expressed confidence in the coalition’s eventual alignment.
Speculation Over Missed Meetings
Rumours of a rift began when Matiang’i skipped a series of political meetings attended by Gachagua, Karua, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
However, according to Citizen Digital, the former CS was attending separate engagements with youth and opinion leaders in Lanet, Nakuru County. Later that day, he also joined former Chief Justice David Maraga at a funeral in Rongai.
Jubilee Party Revival
Matiang’i has also been spearheading efforts to revitalise the Jubilee Party, once a dominant political force under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during a meeting in Nakuru, he said, “We have reignited the drive for mass registration of members to the Jubilee Party. We want to make the party more vibrant and be there to speak for the people now and in the future.”
Matiang’i explained that each opposition leader had the freedom to chart their political course, as long as they remained committed to the broader coalition goals.
“We are a democratic environment. No leader can choose a party for another leader. No leader can choose a leader for the people of Kenya,” he said.
Gachagua’s DCP Strategy
Meanwhile, insiders in Gachagua’s Democratic for Citizen Party suggest that the former deputy president is working to consolidate his support base in the Mount Kenya region.
You can also read related coverage on sauce.co.ke about recent opposition realignments.
Outlook Ahead of 2027
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Kenya’s political landscape is likely to become even more fluid, with alliances forming and fracturing in rapid succession.
Observers say the opposition’s ability to present a united front will be critical to mounting an effective challenge to Ruto’s re-election bid.
