As the race to succeed President William Ruto in 2027 gathers momentum, political temperatures within the opposition coalition have begun to flare. DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, two influential figures eyeing the top seat, clashed on Friday, October 3, over the best strategy to select the group’s presidential flagbearer.
Speaking during a grassroots engagement in Nyeri, Gachagua took a swipe at Matiang’i, accusing him of relying on backroom negotiations and hotel meetings in his bid to secure the coalition’s endorsement.
According to Gachagua, the presidency is not won through secretive consultations but by direct interaction with the people.
“Getting elected as President is about political mobilisation. Many people may want to spend a lot of time in boardrooms and hotels, discussing theories. But there is no President you will make in a boardroom. Presidents are made in the field,” Gachagua said, drawing cheers from his supporters.
The remarks, though not mentioning Matiang’i by name, were widely interpreted as a direct attack on the former powerful CS.
Unlike other opposition figures who have been crisscrossing the country, Matiang’i has largely kept a low profile, preferring to hold strategic meetings with political influencers, business leaders, and key stakeholders.
Reports indicate that Matiang’i enjoys quiet backing from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party and is seen as a compromise candidate capable of uniting the opposition.
His technocratic background and track record in government, particularly in the security and education sectors, have also boosted his image as a steady hand who could challenge Ruto in 2027.
However, Gachagua dismissed such an approach as elitist and out of touch with the realities of Kenya’s politics.
He urged the opposition coalition to allow its flagbearer to emerge through grassroots mobilisation and popular participation, warning against “shortcuts that risk alienating the common mwananchi.”
The two leaders have previously appeared cordial in public, most recently when they attended the wedding of Kalonzo Musyoka’s son in May.
However, their rivalry for the coalition’s ticket is quickly becoming evident. Both leaders come with distinct strengths—Gachagua as a seasoned mobiliser with deep roots in the Mt. Kenya region, and Matiang’i as a respected administrator with strong appeal among technocrats and reform-minded voters.
In a swift response to Gachagua’s criticism, Matiang’i moved to reassure his supporters that he was not shying away from the campaign trail.
Addressing over 500 youths in Nakuru on Saturday, October 4, the former CS insisted that he would soon embark on a nationwide tour to galvanise support and prove his critics wrong.
“For those who are saying I am a technocrat and that I will not campaign, let us meet on the ground. Politics is about strategy, and when the time comes, it will be clear who connects best with voters,” Matiang’i stated.
Matiang’i further argued that while public rallies and grassroots tours are essential, engaging key stakeholders is equally important in building a credible and well-resourced presidential campaign.
His allies have also pointed out that Kenya’s politics is shifting, with voters increasingly seeking leaders who balance grassroots energy with policy competence.
The latest exchange between the two heavyweights has set the stage for a fierce battle within the opposition as it struggles to find a unifying candidate capable of facing Ruto’s formidable UDA machinery.
Analysts warn that if not managed well, internal rivalries could fracture the coalition and hand Ruto an easy path to re-election.
Political commentator Dr. Benard Muthomi observed: “What we are seeing is an early preview of the succession wars.
Gachagua is emphasising his street-level connection with the people, while Matiang’i is banking on elite consensus and structured campaigning. The coalition must strike a balance or risk implosion.”
As 2027 approaches, the spotlight will increasingly fall on how the opposition navigates these internal tensions.
Whether Gachagua’s grassroots push or Matiang’i’s boardroom strategy wins the day remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle lines have already been drawn.
For now, Kenyans will be watching closely as both leaders roll out their campaigns, waiting to see who truly has the secret card to clinch the opposition ticket and mount a credible challenge for State House.