Backstabbing, secret deals and presidential ambitions tear into Opposition unity ahead of 2027 polls

Backstabbing, secret deals and presidential ambitions tear into Opposition unity ahead of 2027 polls

Growing mistrust, accusations of secret deals and competing presidential ambitions threaten to fracture the Opposition’s bid to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.

The Opposition’s bid to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election faces growing uncertainty as internal rivalries, personal ambitions, and mutual suspicion threaten to derail efforts to rally behind a single presidential candidate.

Accusations of backstabbing, inflated egos and secret deals with Ruto are increasingly exposing cracks within the coalition, with some leaders threatening to withdraw their support or pursue the presidency independently.

At the centre of the growing divisions is Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, who has openly criticised some fellow Opposition leaders, particularly former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of arrogance and a big-man mentality.

The Eastleigh Voice has established that mistrust among Opposition principals has reached a point where leaders are accusing one another of secretly working to secure Ruto another term in office.

For instance, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, a member of the Linda Mwananchi Movement Party, has withdrawn his support for Matiang’i, claiming the former Interior Cabinet Secretary is now working towards helping Ruto retain the presidency.

“It came to me that he is not sincere in his presidential quest. All his actions are now sabotaging the Opposition unity because he is fighting fellow leaders and keeping aloof in what prompts suspicion about his real intentions,” said Onyonka.

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A recent appeal by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s ally, Enoch Wambua, urging Opposition leaders to resolve their differences privately rather than engage in public confrontations has further exposed the extent of the disagreements within the camp.

Matiang’i has criticised Gachagua, arguing that his arrogance, pride and political ambitions could fracture the Opposition and undermine its chances of defeating Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

"That majoritarian arrogance and that particular pride are precisely what is going to split the opposition and make it very difficult for the opposition to come together. The leadership and future of our country is not to be decided on ethnic balkanisation. I thought that this was a competition of ideas, platforms, track records, competence and qualifications," Matiang’i said during an interview with NTV.

Wambua, however, described Matiang’i's remarks as insensitive, warning that publicly attacking fellow coalition leaders could fuel hostility among their supporters and further complicate efforts to build a united Opposition.

He urged Opposition principals to use private meetings to iron out their differences instead of airing their disagreements at political rallies and during television interviews.

"As a leader in this country, I would encourage our principals to desist from this kind of engagement," Wambua said.

He questioned what Matiang’i expected from supporters of other coalition partners when he publicly criticised their leaders.

"You know, when Matiang’i says the things that he says about another partner in the coalition, what kind of reaction does he expect from the supporters of that partner?" he posed.

While Kalonzo has ruled out joining Ruto's government, declaring his intention to challenge the President in the 2027 elections, uncertainty remains over whether he will pursue the presidency independently or support another Opposition candidate.

“I have seen the headlines quoting Kalonzo, that people are looking for me. My answer is no, no! You don’t expect Kalonzo Musyoka to go to the government. It can’t be possible,” he said.

Kalonzo's position comes amid renewed efforts by Kenya Kwanza allies to persuade him to work with Ruto ahead of the 2027 polls.

Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced plans to hold talks with the Wiper leader, while Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet has also been at the forefront of calls for Kalonzo to abandon the Opposition and join the government.

However, Kalonzo and his party have repeatedly dismissed reports of plans to join the government, maintaining their commitment to the Opposition alongside Gachagua and other political leaders.

Political analyst Samuel Owida believes it will take a miracle for all Opposition principals to unite behind a single presidential candidate, given the competing interests and growing mistrust within their ranks.

He also warned that some leaders could be involved in behind-the-scenes manoeuvres aimed at frustrating efforts to build a united front against Ruto.

“It is clear that ego wars and backstabbing within the Opposition will lead to an eventual split and having sections of principals going all the way to the ballot. It is then that it will be known that some have been working to help Ruto get reelected,” said Owida.