Fred Matiang'i Joining Gachagua's Camp Complicates Plans to Unseat Ruto in 2027, Analysts Argue
- Former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i's entry into the 2027 presidential race continues to attract mixed reactions
- Matiang'i's move to join the team led by Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Martha Karua has been interpreted as a strong point in defeating President William Ruto
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, analyst Arnold Maliba and Jubilee Youth Chair, Advice Mundalo, argued that it would be difficult for the opposition to agree on a single candidate
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Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi—Kenyans and analysts remain divided about the political strength of former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Source: Facebook
Matiang'i, who recently returned to the country from the United States of America, is among political leaders eyeing to replace President William Ruto in 2027.
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On Sunday, May 4, the former powerful Interior CS attended a high-profile meeting of key opposition figures.
It was the first time Matiang'i held a consultative meeting with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Martha Karua.
In a tweet, Gachagua welcomed Matiang'i to the team, saying it's the only formation that will liberate Kenya from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance's administration's alleged poor leadership.
"The team to liberate Kenya gets bigger every day. Welcome, Fred Matiangi, JB Muturi and Mithika Linturi. You are on the right side of history," Gachagua said.
However, public policy and strategic communication expert, Arnold Maliba, argues that Matiang'i's entry into the Gachagua formation will complicate issues for the opposition.
Why Fred Matiang'i complicates matters of opposition
Maliba stated that the former powerful Interior CS could currently be conducting forum shopping before settling on a solid plan ahead of the upcoming election.
The analyst argued that even though Matiang'i brings a sizeable number of votes to the opposition, he could complicate the process of arriving at a consensus candidate to face Ruto.
"Without his express confirmation, it's too early to conclude that Matiang'i has officially joined the Gachagua axis. We have seen people participate in those photo ops and later decline the invite. Matiang'i could be doing political forum shopping to land within a space that will help his plans. But if he indeed has decided, then whereas it boosts the team's numbers - it complicates the process of arriving at a consensus candidate," Maliba told TUKO.co.ke.
Source: Facebook
Maliba, who is also the party leader of the Progress Plus Alliance (PPA), stated that the current opposition team consists of individuals with opposing ideologies and that it would be difficult to agree on a single candidate.
"The Gachagua group is made up of individuals who are diametrically opposed to each other ideologically, politically and even in general worldview, how they manage to reduce differences and allow the meeting of minds is going to be a difficult assignment," the analyst said.
According to Maliba, the fact that many Kenyans are against Ruto's reelection should motivate the opposition to present a strong candidate.
"As for the question on whether this team can beat William Ruto, I think that is a concluded matter. William Ruto's fate is sealed, he cannot win a second term - anyone and anything will floor him. The Gachagua team is a good idea, but it must give way to a better idea," Maliba added.
On his part, Jubilee Party National Youth Chair, Advice Mundalo, argued that the current opposition set up does not inspire hope for change.
Why opposition is not strong enough ahead of the 2027 poll
According to Mundalo, the opposition is making a grave mistake by not involving the young people in its plans for the 2027 election.
"The opposition, as currently constituted, does not inspire hope. The only way to attract the masses, comprised mainly of young people, in the next election is to be a team that inspires hope and looks aware of the modern generation's issues. You cannot inspire hope in this generation by looking tired and old school," Mundalo said.
Mundalo agreed with Maliba's sentiments regarding the headache Matiang'i poses to the opposition's journey to agree on a single candidate to face Ruto.
According to the youthful Jubilee politician, it will be difficult to manage the egos of the opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 State House race.
"Matiangi is a great addition to the team because he rescues them from the paint brush of ' normal politicians,' he comes out more as a breath of fresh air away from the normal oliticians, a man who is a technocrat on a mission.
"However, that alone won't tilt the tide. He is faced with the humongous challenge of managing the egos of the opposition leaders senior to him to wholesomely support him as a sole opposition candidate, which is an uphill task considering he is the junior most of them all. Politics has a lot to do with ego management. How does Kalonzo, who has supported Raila thrice, cede ground for Matiangi, a new bee?? How does Rigathi Gachagua, who believes, has a basket full of 'numbers' and is a former deputy president, cede ground for Matiangi? These are realities he comes in direct conflict with," he added.
How did Ruto react to the Wamunyoro meeting?
Meanwhile, President Ruto aimed at his critics during a recent address, referencing a meeting held at former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence.
He dismissed their approach, stating that the 2027 General Election would not revolve around tribalism, anger, or hate.
Ruto urged the opposition to focus on offering a clear vision for the country's leadership instead of fuelling ethnic divisions.
He emphasised that the upcoming polls should be driven by coalition manifestos. The president further accused opposition leaders of engaging in divisive politics at the expense of delivering services to Kenyans.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
