Cracks Deepen in Opposition as Gachagua Targets Matiang’i in Veiled Attack

Cracks Deepen in Opposition as Gachagua Targets Matiang’i in Veiled Attack.

Rifts within the united opposition widened on Saturday after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed unnamed presidential hopefuls whom he accused of plotting to unseat President William Ruto through “hotel and boardroom meetings” and limiting their efforts to social media posts.

The opposition coalition, which held a rally in Kajiado County, strongly opposed the planned privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and reiterated their pledge to ensure President Ruto serves only one term in office.

“Harambee one term. Hapa ni wantam. Kasongo aende, apotee, atembee asubuhi na mchana,” Gachagua declared, rallying supporters against the President.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned investors eyeing public assets, saying, “We caution anyone pursuing the expropriation of public property. Once we take over, we will revoke such contracts. Sisi tuko tayari kupeleka Ruto nyumbani.”

DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa accused the government of corruption, claiming attempts had already been made to seize key state institutions.
“Tumekuwa na wantam ya wizi. Wamejaribu kuiba KICC, tukaenda kortini tukazuia. Wamejaribu kuiba KETRACO, tukazuia. Sasa wanataka kuiba mashamba ya Wamaasai,” he said.

DP Party Leader Justin Muturi also took a hard line, telling supporters:
“Anatakiwa akitoka tarehe 27 direct straight kortini…Kamiti. Nani anaunga mkono hiyo? Jela kwa Kasongo!”

Earlier, Gachagua had mocked certain opposition leaders who brand themselves as presidential candidates on social media.
“Ati unafikiria ukiweka picha ya mtu huko social media ati he can be president. That cannot make you president. You must mobilise numbers on the ground. No president will ever be made in a boardroom,” he said.

Meanwhile in Nakuru County, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, who has also declared interest in the 2027 presidency, acknowledged divisions in the opposition but urged patience and unity.

“No leader can choose a leader for Kenya. It will take time to get there, but we will handle it with discipline and respect for each other’s opinions,” Matiang’i said.

He downplayed the escalating tensions, adding:
“From time to time, we will have differences of opinion, then arguments. But we will sit down, call each other, and resolve them as we focus on addressing development challenges. I am optimistic we will be fine.”