Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has taken a noticeably different approach to politics—one that is rattling his opposition colleagues, especially former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Unlike the loud, combative rallies preferred by Gachagua and other opposition heavyweights, Matiang’i is leaning on a quieter, calculated strategy. His silent but strategic moves are building momentum behind his possible 2027 presidential bid, keeping both allies and rivals guessing.
Gachagua Fires Back at Matiang’i’s Style
Speaking on Friday, Rigathi Gachagua took thinly veiled shots at Matiang’i, dismissing his boardroom politics.
“Getting elected as President is about political mobilisation. There is no President you will make in a boardroom. Presidents are made in the field,” Gachagua said.
His remarks were seen as a direct attack on Matiang’i’s behind-the-scenes consultations and his efforts to build influence without noisy rallies.
Strategic Engagements Behind the Scenes
Matiang’i has been quietly hosting delegations and consultative forums, painting himself as a stabilizing force in a political space dominated by heated rhetoric.
On Friday, he met with youth leaders from Nakuru County—just one in a series of meetings designed to expand his political base.
He has also kept his political options open. While Jubilee Party has openly named him as their preferred candidate, Matiang’i has also been linked to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and potential alliances with other opposition outfits.
Calculated Moves Raise His Profile
Matiang’i’s rise hasn’t been accidental. His early political appearances were carefully timed—from roadside addresses in Kitui to a bold speech in Kiambu that signaled his presidential ambitions.
His attendance at last week’s Jubilee Special National Delegates Convention was yet another calculated move that sent ripples across the political landscape.
Even his decision to hire Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson to handle international PR and strategic messaging underscored the seriousness of his bid.
Why Gachagua Is Uneasy
Gachagua’s abrasive, populist style thrives on rallies and confrontation, while Matiang’i is positioning himself as the calm, reasoned alternative. This contrast has created visible cracks within the opposition, with each leader trying to shape the movement in their own image.
As Matiang’i continues to flex his influence—from Kisii rallies that filled Gusii Stadium to behind-the-scenes consultations—Gachagua faces an uphill battle keeping his grip on the opposition base.
With 2027 drawing closer, Matiang’i’s silent but steady strategy may prove to be the biggest wildcard in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
