How Matiang'i-Gachagua rift exposes deep opposition divisions

Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i joined worshippers at the Tent Revival Church in Kajiado County. [Stanley Ongwae, Standard]

Growing tensions within the opposition have reached a boiling point after Fred Matiang'i, a key figure in the political landscape, met with leaders from rival factions. The DCP (Democratic Change Party), led by Rigathi Gachagua, has raised concerns over Matiang'i's recent political manoeuvrings, fearing that his alliances may undermine the unity needed to challenge the ruling government.

"Your political enemies are your enemies, and this is a phrase that Matiang'i must understand, having worked in government for the last ten years. When we saw him dine with our party leader's rivals, it confirmed our worst fears that he has been hiding a dagger against us all along," said Njeri Kahiga, the DCP National Youth Coordinator.

Kahiga expressed growing concern within the DCP over Fred Matiang'i's recent meetings with political figures from rival factions. According to her, figures, such as Jeremiah Kioni and Maina Wambugu have consistently sought to undermine Rigathi Gachagua, and their meeting with Matiang'i has heightened doubts within the opposition about his trustworthiness.

"This has also left us wondering whether Uhuru Kenyatta has been straightforward. We feel he is unsure whether he belongs to the Opposition or to the government. It is high time he made up his mind so that we in the Opposition can decide how to relate to him," Kahiga said.

Despite these concerns, some who attended the meeting with Matiang'i defended their decision, arguing that their support for his presidential candidacy in Mt Kenya was rooted in their belief that Jubilee, unlike other parties, was not a tribal organisation.

Former Mathioya MP Peter Kimari explained that after the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC), their team would embark on an extensive campaign to rally Mt Kenya voters behind Matiang'i's bid for the presidency.

"What we oppose is a one-party state. This is a strategy we will vehemently oppose, as we remind our people that we too have the democratic right to support our preferred candidate. Our enemy is one-referring to President Ruto-and other parties within the Opposition should focus on connecting with the masses without attacking us," Kimari said.

Former Gatundu North MP Wanjiku Kibe echoed this sentiment, noting that the meeting with Matiang'i was part of a broader strategy to establish a strong foundation for his presidential campaign in 2027.

"Mahatma Gandhi said the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Fred Matiang'i is the kind of leader that every Kenyan can trust. His vision to positively transform our beloved country through servant leadership is one we support wholeheartedly," Kibe stated.

Rigathi Gachagua and Fred Matiang'i. [File, Standard]

Maina Wambugu, another prominent figure at the meeting, explained that their support for Matiang'i stemmed from his leadership style, contrasting him with the perceived aggressive tactics of Rigathi Gachagua.

"We support Matiang'i because he is not a bully like Gachagua," Wambugu said. "If Matiang'i ever starts behaving like Gachagua-bullying others, inciting Kenyans against each other, mobilising tribes, or causing chaos-we would withdraw our support without hesitation."

In response to the criticisms against him and Kioni, Wambugu stated, "The attacks on Matiang'i, Kioni, myself, and others are coming from 'friends' in the Opposition who cannot imagine another party might have a network in Mt Kenya outside of themselves."

Political analyst Kamau Githiomi suggested that the rivalry between Matiang'i and Gachagua's allies marks the beginning of deeper divisions within the Opposition. According to Githiomi, the competition for power in Mt Kenya between parties like Jubilee and DCP could undermine the opposition's unity.

"If Matiang'i joins the Jubilee Party, be rest assured that it will cause a split within the opposition. The struggle for dominance between Jubilee and DCP in Mt Kenya will only benefit the government, which will use the divisions to emerge victorious," Githiomi warned.

The growing tensions reflect the deeper divisions within the opposition, as leaders jockey for position in preparation for the 2027 presidential race. Gachagua's DCP, once seen as a key opposition force, now faces increasing fragmentation as figures like Matiang'i and his supporters emerge as potential rivals.