Fresh cracks have emerged within the United Opposition after allies of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i publicly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using intimidation and attempting to dominate smaller political parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The sharp criticism was voiced on Wednesday, August 5, during a series of political rallies across the Gusii region attended by Matiang’i and several local leaders. The remarks came amid growing debate over how the opposition coalition should be structured as leaders work toward selecting a united presidential ticket.
Speaking at one of the rallies, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi accused Gachagua of treating the opposition alliance as his personal property and exhibiting what he described as a “big man syndrome.”
“Wewe Gachagua sisi tumekuheshimu lakini tumeanza kuona madharau. Kumbuka wewe ulikuwa kwa hii serikali ya William Ruto wakati sisi tulikuwa opposition. Kwa hivyo ni wewe ulitupata hapa,” Kibagendi said.
The legislator reminded Gachagua that many leaders now in the opposition had remained outside President William Ruto’s administration while Gachagua served as Deputy President, arguing that mutual respect should guide ongoing coalition negotiations.
Kibagendi, who spoke in the presence of Matiang’i, insisted that the Gusii leadership remains committed to opposition unity but warned that cooperation must be founded on equality and mutual respect rather than political coercion.
“Tuko tayari kufanya kazi pamoja, lakini kwa usawa. La sivyo, itabidi tutafute njia nyingine,” he added.
His remarks appeared to be a direct response to Gachagua’s earlier warning that smaller or “fringe” political parties should consolidate their numbers before the coalition’s final unity talks. The former Deputy President reportedly maintained that negotiations should reflect each party’s political strength, saying he would not sit at the same table with parties that lack significant grassroots support.
The exchange highlights the growing power struggle within the United Opposition, where several leaders -including Matiang’i, Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa – are seeking to build a formidable alliance to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. While the coalition has repeatedly projected unity in public, differences over leadership, decision-making and the formula for selecting a presidential flag bearer continue to surface.
Political analysts say the latest public exchange underscores the delicate balancing act facing the opposition as it attempts to unite leaders from different regions and political parties under one banner without alienating smaller partners.
