Two of the leading opposition figures, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, are competing for dominance, which risks undermining the vision of a united opposition before it even takes shape.

Recently, the two clashed over the best way to select the United Opposition presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.

The United Opposition is a coalition comprising Kalonzo Musyoka (leader of Wiper Party), Martha Karua (leader of People’s Liberation Party (PLP)), Eugene Wamalwa (leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K)), Justin Muturi (leader of the Democratic Party (DP)), Fred Matiang’i, and Rigathi Gachagua, who heads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Gachagua criticised Dr. Matiang’i, accusing him of trying to secure the United Opposition endorsement through boardroom and hotel meetings. Gachagua has been emphasising that the best way to select the team’s flagbearer is through grassroots mobilisation and engaging directly with members of the public.

Dr. Matiang’i has missed several of the alliance’s meetings attended by key figures such as Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, and Rigathi Gachagua. He has since defended his approach, stating that it will soon become clear who the best candidate is to connect with voters, and he added that he would soon commence a nationwide tour to galvanise support.

He recognised the existence of a coordination secretariat but mentioned that complete alignment among leaders requires time, expressing confidence in eventual unity. “Aligning visions, perspectives, and convincing one another is a significant challenge. Our patience, perseverance, and patriotism will be tested, but we must overcome temptations and work together as expected by Kenyans,” he said.

Recently, the opposition has been breaking apart due to personal rivalries and competing presidential ambitions. Kalonzo Musyoka, also seen as a leading potential candidate, has been embroiled in controversy over a ‘secret’ engagement with several of President Ruto’s allies as the race to the 2027 polls intensifies.

During an interview on KTN on October 6, Gachagua mentioned what he called attempts to sow divisions within the opposition. He stated that some individuals are trying to influence opposition leaders on an individual basis to create a third force that will split them.  

Last month, seasoned political analyst Herman Manyora stated that the only thing capable of uniting the United Opposition is trust, and trust cannot be established through signing pre-election Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) but must be developed among coalition leaders.

Manyora emphasised that beyond trust, the coalition should bring together the best brains within their ranks to develop a strong framework and structures that can sustain unity and anchor that trust.

“You can’t write down trust; you have to build it among yourselves. The second thing is to bring together the best minds you can get to work out structures that can sustain togetherness and on which trust can rest,” he stated.