Matiang’i, Gachagua Meet Days After Public Exchange of Words

Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday, November 11, visited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his home following the death of Gachagua’s elder sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua.

Matiang’i was accompanied by members of the Jubilee Party National Executive Committee during the visit, where they conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.

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In a statement following the visit, Matiang’i said the delegation had met Gachagua to personally express their sympathies following the loss of his sister.

"In moments of grief, the bonds of friendship, family and shared humanity remind us of the importance of standing with one another," he wrote. 

Matiang’i further extended his condolences to the Gachagua family, wishing them strength and comfort as they mourned their loved one.

"We continue to hold the Gachagua family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May Almighty God grant them strength, comfort and peace, and may Eunice’s soul rest in eternal peace," he added.

The Jubilee Party also addressed the visit, explaining that the delegation had set aside political differences to stand with the family during its period of mourning.

"Some moments call for politics to step aside, because grief belongs to the human heart, not to any party. We came as fellow Kenyans who know that when one family is bereaved, we all sit down together in the mourning," the party said. 

The meeting came days after Matiang’i and Gachagua engaged in a public exchange of words over the leadership, organisation and direction of the opposition ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

The disagreement emerged after Gachagua proposed a three-bloc political arrangement involving his party, the Linda Mwananchi Movement and the Wiper Patriotic Front, raising concerns among other opposition leaders about possible exclusion from coalition-building discussions.

Matiang’i criticised Gachagua's approach, warning that his emphasis on political numbers, regional influence and what he described as majoritarian politics could undermine efforts to unite the opposition.

Speaking during an interview with NTV, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary cautioned that the opposition could lose its opportunity to challenge President William Ruto if its leaders failed to accommodate one another.

Matiang’i expressed concern that some leaders were attempting to dominate the opposition through their political influence rather than allowing an inclusive process to determine the coalition's leadership.

"That majoritarian arrogance and that particular pride is precisely what is going to split the opposition and make it very difficult for the opposition to come together," he said.

Matiang’i further argued that the country's leadership should be determined by the candidates' abilities, qualifications and development agendas rather than ethnic numbers and regional political influence.

The Jubilee leader maintained that political competition should focus on what candidates could offer Kenyans rather than the communities they represented.

"The leadership and the future of our country is not a matter to be decided on ethnic balkanisation. It ought to be decided on the basis of capacity, not community. It is a matter of content of character, not cultural connections," he added.

Matiang’i also dismissed accusations targeting some opposition leaders, warning that claims of political infiltration and allegations that certain individuals were working with the government could damage relationships within the coalition.

He maintained that he would support any presidential candidate selected through an inclusive and mutually acceptable process.

"Anyone picked through a process that is inclusive and acceptable to all of us, and we’ve sat down and agreed, in a respectful and inclusive manner, that has been agreed, I can say that I would back that candidate," he further said.

Gachagua, however, defended his approach, insisting that political ambitions must be backed by the ability to mobilise voters rather than relying solely on political experience, policy proposals or discussions in boardrooms.

Speaking during a separate engagement, the former Deputy President challenged Matiang’i and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi to demonstrate their political strength on the ground.

Gachagua argued that opposition leaders seeking the presidency needed to establish their voter support bases instead of expecting other politicians to deliver votes for them.

Responding to criticism that he was arrogant, Gachagua maintained that his remarks reflected his straightforward approach to politics rather than an attempt to intimidate fellow opposition leaders.

"Some my friends think that I am arrogant for being truthful. I am not arrogant. I am just truthful," he said.

Gachagua further insisted that political mobilisation was essential for anyone seeking to become Kenya's president, arguing that support could not be secured through television appearances and meetings in hotels.

"I have told those leaders that, when you want to be the president of Kenya, you must be voted for, regardless of the policies you have.

"And for you to get votes, you must look for them. No vote can be found in hotels or in the television. Votes are looked for," he added.

Gachagua also cited his experience in the 2022 General Election, claiming that his mobilisation efforts played a significant role in securing Ruto's victory.

"I am a believer of numbers. I am also experienced. I delivered the presidency in the last election through mobilisation of numbers. Some are uncomfortable discussing numbers; but they must be discussed," he noted.