Jubilee Party presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has played down reports of divisions within the United Opposition, saying differences among its leaders are part of the process of building a democratic political movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a local media interview on Monday, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary rejected claims of infighting, arguing that leaders within the coalition had different opinions and interests but remained committed to working together.
“I cannot say there is infighting. What exists are differences of opinion, which are normal. What is democracy if there are no differences of opinion?” Matiang’i paused.
He said the United Opposition was not organised under a single leader with authority over the others, but comprised independent political leaders who had voluntarily come together to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“United Opposition does not have a coach, supervisor, high priest or somebody who is above everybody. We are leaders who have come together,” he said.
The Jubilee Presidential aspirant maintained that the coalition should first focus on building a strong political team before deciding who would lead it into the 2027 presidential contest.
“We are in the process of turning the group into a team, and then this team will have a captain. You first form a team, then pick the captain, but you cannot pick the captain then form the team,” he quoted.
His comments come as opposition parties and presidential hopefuls position themselves ahead of the 2027 election, with disagreements emerging over the coalition’s leadership structure and the formula for selecting its presidential candidate.
The United Opposition brings together several political leaders and parties seeking to challenge President William Ruto’s administration. However, the absence of an agreed presidential candidate has fuelled speculation over whether the alliance can maintain unity as the election approaches.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Democracy for Citizens Party have been at the centre of some of the disagreements surrounding the coalition’s structure and leadership.
Gachagua has sought to establish his party as a major political vehicle in the Mount Kenya region, while also calling on opposition leaders to avoid public confrontations that could weaken their efforts to mount a credible challenge in 2027.
He has urged opposition leaders to declare a truce and concentrate on building a strong grassroots movement ahead of the election.
However, his critics accuse him of seeking to position himself as a gatekeeper to the Mount Kenya vote and of attempting to control political access to the region.
His allies have rejected those claims, arguing that political parties seeking influence within the opposition should demonstrate their grassroots support instead of relying on negotiations among a small group of leaders.
Matiang’i’s remarks suggest the coalition’s immediate priority is to strengthen its internal structures and build a united political machine before settling the question of who will captain the alliance in 2027.