Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent “thinly-veiled jab” at Dr. Fred Matiang’i should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric. It is a masterclass in early campaign strategy, a deliberate move in the high-stakes chess game that is the run-up to the 2027 General Election. Gachagua isn’t just insulting a potential rival; he is executing a multi-pronged strategy to destabilize the opposition at its core.
The choice of Matiang’i as a target is particularly revealing. Unlike other opposition figures, Matiang’i carries the weight of a significant administrative record from his time as a powerful Cabinet Secretary. He is perceived as a non-traditional politician who could appeal to the “development vote” and bridge ethnic voting blocs. By attacking him, Gachagua aims to accomplish several key objectives simultaneously.
Deconstructing the Political Calculus:
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Testing the Waters: This is a probe to gauge the strength of Matiang’i’s support both within the opposition and nationally. The reaction from the Gusii nation and other communities will provide valuable intelligence to the Kenya Kwanza strategists.
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Forcing a Premature Coronation: By treating Matiang’i as the de facto frontrunner, Gachagua is attempting to force the opposition’s hand. This could breed resentment among other ambitious leaders within Azimio, such as Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, who may feel sidelined, thereby creating internal friction.
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Reframing the Narrative: Gachagua’s comments are designed to frame Matiang’i not as a competent former minister, but as an inexperienced presidential aspirant who would be a liability. This is an attempt to control his public perception before he can formally define his own candidacy.
In essence, this is a pre-emptive war. Gachagua is firing the first shots in a battle that will be fought in the media and in the court of public opinion long before the official campaign period begins. The fragility of the opposition’s “unity” is the central weakness he is aiming to exploit, and this jab is a clear indicator that the 2027 election campaign is already underway.
Cracks in the united opposition continue to deepen as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took a swipe at some unnamed presidential aspirants, whom he says want to unseat President William Ruto through hotel and boardroom meetings, only posting their activities on social media.
The opposition team, which held a rally in Kajiado County, opposed the privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), maintaining their resolve to make Ruto a one-term president.
The team, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, promised to unseat President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“Harambee one term. Hapa ni wantam. Kasongo aende. Apotee. Atembee. Asubuhi na mchana?” said Gachagua.
