Cracks in Opposition as Arati Warns Gachagua against Disrespecting Matiang'i: "Wantam Peleka Huko"
- Governor Simba Arati stated the only way former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua would receive support in Kisii
- He further warned Gachagua against disrespecting 2027 presidential aspirant, former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i
- Arati also told Gachagua not to take his "one-term" agenda in the Kisii region as it would not be accepted
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst Alfred Makotsi said tensions reflect deeper opposition realignments ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Kisii: Looks like cracks have started forming in the opposition after Governor Simba Arati sent a bold warning to former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking on Tuesday, July 1, Arati warned Gachagua against disrespecting Matiang'i. He further asserted that Matiang'i must be one of the people forming the next government.
Did Arati warn Gachagua against spreading wantam agenda?
He further called out Gachagua, over planning to carry out a rally in a bid to pass his now famous "wantam" agenda in Kisii county.
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"We don't want someone coming from outside and telling us that we must move in a certain direction. I heard that they were planning to hold a meeting here ati 'one term'. Kwenda huko na 'one term' yako," Arati said.
Arati further told Gachagua to give Matiang'i and the people of Kisii the kind of respect that they deserve.
Additionally, he told Gachagua that Matiang'i is the one to invite him for a meeting in Kisii and not the other way round.
"Honourable Gachagua, I respect you, but you must give us respect in Kisii. We will deal with you as an equal," he said.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, political analyst and governance expert Alfred Makotsi weighed in on the unfolding dynamics between Governor Simba Arati, Rigathi Gachagua, and Fred Matiang’i, noting that the tension reflects deeper realignments in Kenya’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makotsi explained that Arati’s sharp warning to Gachagua not only asserts local political autonomy in Kisii but also reveals the growing influence of Fred Matiang’i as a presidential contender.
“Governor Arati’s remarks are not just about defending Matiang’i. They’re a signal that Kisii leaders will not tolerate external imposition. This is about regional pride, influence, and shaping the narrative early enough before 2027,” Makotsi opined.
Did Arati fall out with Gachagua?
Arati further recalled a moment when he and Gachagua had a political feud.
The vocal politician stated that Gachagua had bragged about withdrawing his security months before his impeachment from office.
He added that they would only back Gachagua if he supports Matiang'i.
The Kisii county leader also urged President William Ruto to back Matiangi in his presidential bid, affirming their full support.
Did Fred Matiang'i join Gachagua's team?
Arati's statement comes months after the former powerful Interior CS joined the opposition leaders, who have been scheming on how to unseat Ruto in 2027.
On Tuesday, April 29, a photo of Matiang'i and other opposition leaders, including Gachagua, and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka circulated online.
Source: Twitter
Confirming that the meeting had already taken place, Gachagua shared the same photo welcoming Matiang'i, former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi and former Public Service CS Justin Muturi on board.
The former DP affirmed his commitment to ensuring that Ruto does not get re-elected for a second term.
While echoing Gachagua's remarks, Kalonzo affirmed that Muturi had also joined the opposition team that is focused on liberating Kenyans.
The meeting came after Gachagua affirmed the opposition's capability of unseating Ruto.
He added that the opposition does not need the support of former prime minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga to send Ruto home.
Which political party will Matiang'i run on?
Matiang'i has been endorsed by the Jubilee Party as the preferred presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni declared the former Interior CS as the suitable candidate to fly the flag of the former ruling party in the next elections.
Kioni further confirmed that retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, who is the party leader, is fully behind the candidature of Matiang'i.
However, despite the endorsement, Matiang'i has not fully embraced the Uhuru-led outfit and appears to be keenly weighing his options before making a public declaration on which political party he would use to run for president.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, July 1, the former CS was non-committal when asked whether he would run on a Jubilee Party ticket.
He confirmed that he was not affiliated with any political party, pouring cold water on speculation that he would be a Jubilee Party candidate.
Matiang'i further disclosed that several other parties had approached him and requested that he contest on their party ticket, but he had not yet made up his mind.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on which political party Fred Matiang'i is likely to use in his 2027 presidential bid.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Faith Chandianya (CA editor) Faith Chandianya is a multi-media journalist and a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke. In 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Media Science from Moi University. She has over four years experience in digital journalism. Email: Faith.Chandianya@tuko.co.ke
Alfred Makotsi (Governance and Policy Expert) Alfred is a dynamic and experienced professional with over seven years of expertise in youth engagement, governance, and advocacy.
