Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has affirmed that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and two other key leaders who recently joined the opposition are “on the right side of history".
On April 29, Matiang’i ended months of speculation about his political allegiance when he appeared alongside Gachagua during a high-level meeting in Nairobi focused on 2027 election plans.
The meeting also marked the formal entry of former Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi into Gachagua’s camp.
The three leaders had previously fallen out with the Kenya Kwanza administration, despite having vigorously campaigned for President William Ruto in the 2022 general election.
Matiang’i’s
entry is expected to strengthen the opposition alliance as it crafts a
political formula to unseat President Ruto in 2027.
“The team to liberate Kenya gets bigger every day,” Gachagua posted on X following the April 29 morning meeting.
“Welcome, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Hon. JB Muturi, and Hon. Mithika Linturi—you are on the right side of history,” he added.
The meeting was also attended by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, and former minister Mukhisa Kituyi.
Jubilee
Party National Chairman Saitoti Torome was also present at the high-stakes
session, which is expected to shape Kenya’s political trajectory in the coming
months.
The coalition is expected to intensify its internal consultations amid reports of planned joint public appearances aimed at solidifying their alliance.
There are also signs that more political heavyweights could join Gachagua’s team, which is working on a broader strategy to challenge President Ruto’s re-election bid.
While questions remain about who will emerge as the alliance's presidential flag bearer, leaders have played down the possibility of internal divisions.
Gachagua,
who has publicly declared his presidential ambitions—barring any legal
obstacles—reiterated that he would support the coalition’s final choice, even
if he is not selected.
“I am vying for the presidency, as are Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, and Eugene Wamalwa. We are all seeking support. In the end, we will consult and agree to back one candidate. Even if it’s not me, I will support whoever we settle on,” he said.
The April 29 meeting comes as the opposition ramps up efforts to build a national coalition in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Gachagua is expected to unveil his 2027 political vehicle next month—a movement he says will consolidate support in the Mt. Kenya region.
Matiang’i,
who recently returned to the country, has not yet publicly addressed his
rumoured 2027 presidential bid. However, a series of events planned for next
week may provide some clarity.
Elders from the Gusii community are expected to formally install him in a major cultural and political ceremony at Gusii Stadium in the coming days.
The event is anticipated to attract key political figures from across the country.
