Matiang’i, Gachagua and Kalonzo Meet in Nairobi to Quash Feud Over 2027 Ticket

Opposition heavyweights Fred Matiang’i, Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka held a closed-door meeting in Nairobi on Sunday morning, seeking to paper over bitter differences sparked by competing visions for the 2027 presidential race.

The breakfast meeting came just hours before the leaders were scheduled to address separate political rallies in Nanyuki and Kitengela, exposing the deep regional fault lines threatening a unified front against President William Ruto.

Tensions boiled over earlier in the week after Mr Gachagua suggested that a three-way political pact between himself, Mr Kalonzo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had the numbers to defeat President Ruto in 2027.

The proposal drew a sharp rebuke from Dr Matiang’i, who slammed the plan as majoritarian arrogance and warned against attempts by a few politicians to dictate the opposition’s direction. Speaking on November 1, the Jubilee Party leader insisted that the presidential candidate must emerge through an inclusive and transparent consultation process rather than boardroom deals.

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi joined the fray on November 2, accusing the former Deputy President of political bullying and supremacy contests. An unyielding Mr Gachagua hit back on November 3 from his Wamunyoro residence, telling critics that nobody should speak to him like a child.

"I delivered the presidency of William Ruto; we will deliver this, but people should have some respect," Mr Gachagua said, while questioning the grassroots credentials of some politicians eyeing the top seat.

Despite the harsh exchanges, Dr Matiang’i shared a conciliatory photo of the three leaders on X on Sunday morning, accompanied by a message of unity.

"Brothers will always put Kenya first," he wrote.

However, the truce was immediately tested as the leaders split up for parallel political tours. Dr Matiang’i teamed up with People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and People’s Party leader Ndindi Nyoro for the People’s Tour in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, which included a morning church service at St John Paul II in Narumoru.

At the same time, Mr Gachagua and Mr Kalonzo joined Senator Sifuna and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa for the Ukombozi Rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County. The parallel events underline the competing political vehicles and regional ambitions that continue to complicate efforts to forge a single opposition ticket.

While Sunday’s morning meeting offered a temporary pause to the public feuding, questions remain over whether the leaders can agree on a structured coalition framework before the August 2027 polls.