Gakuya Warns Matiang’i and Jubilee Against Isolating Themselves as Opposition Tensions Rise

Gakuya Warns Matiang’i and Jubilee Against Isolating Themselves as Opposition Tensions Rise

Nairobi, Kenya – Embakasi North Member of Parliament and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant James Gakuya has cautioned former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and the Jubilee Party against pursuing a separate political path, warning that such a move could fracture the fragile unity within the United Opposition coalition.

Speaking on Sunday, December 7, at a rally in Mwiki, Nairobi County, Gakuya urged Jubilee to align itself with other opposition outfits to avoid weakening the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rally was headlined by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, both of whom have emerged as key figures in the opposition’s strategy.

“I want to tell Matiang’i and the Jubilee Party. Stop following your own path, you will get lost,” Gakuya declared.

Rising Tensions Within the Opposition

His remarks come amid growing speculation of internal rifts within the coalition, with concerns that disagreements over strategy, loyalty, and political alignments are widening divisions. Jubilee and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) have in recent days traded accusations, each claiming the other is acting as a mole within the alliance and secretly cooperating with the government.

The tension follows a public feud involving opposition leaders earlier this year. In September 2025, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni alleged that Gachagua was in talks with President William Ruto behind closed doors, claiming that he had met leaders in Narok County to arrange cooperation during the November 27 by-elections.

Gachagua’s Response

Gachagua firmly dismissed the allegations, insisting that he had no intention of negotiating with the president.

“I can tell you, from what the people of Mount Kenya have told me, William Ruto is not part of that equation. We have no intention whatsoever to have any discussion, any negotiation with one William Ruto,” Gachagua retorted in an interview.

He later escalated his criticism of Jubilee, describing the party as “a red wheelbarrow” during a rally in the Mount Kenya region and linking it to alleged secret deals with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Matiang’i’s Position

Meanwhile, Matiang’i, Jubilee’s presidential candidate, has been notably absent from most opposition events attended by Gachagua and Kalonzo. His absence has reinforced perceptions that he is charting his own political course, with observers noting that he is increasingly focused on building momentum for his 2027 bid by wooing voters independently.

This perceived isolation has fueled speculation that Jubilee may be positioning itself outside the broader coalition, raising questions about whether the opposition can maintain unity in the face of mounting internal disputes.

Coalition Leaders Call for Unity

Despite the public exchanges, coalition leaders have sought to reassure supporters that they remain committed to strengthening opposition unity. They have emphasized that the coalition will field a single candidate to face President Ruto in 2027, insisting that internal disagreements will not derail their broader objective.

“Our commitment is to unity. We will present one candidate to challenge William Ruto in 2027,” a senior coalition figure said at the rally.

Conclusion

The warning by Gakuya underscores the delicate balance within the United Opposition as it navigates internal rivalries and strategic disagreements. With Jubilee’s role increasingly under scrutiny and Matiang’i’s absence fueling speculation, the coalition faces the challenge of consolidating its base while preparing for a high-stakes contest in 2027.

As tensions rise, the opposition’s ability to maintain cohesion will be critical in determining whether it can mount a credible challenge to the ruling party in the next election cycle.

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Gakuya Warns Matiang’i and Jubilee Against Isolating Themselves as Opposition Tensions Rise