Gachagua hints at coalition with Matiang'i after sharing photo: "Team to watch"

Kenyans online have been buzzing with reactions after a photo emerged showing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua standing alongside former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, among other prominent leaders. 

The image, shared by Gachagua himself, hinted at a growing political alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.

The lineup in the photo includes Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Mithika Linturi, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, and former Principal Secretary Saitoti Torome. 

Gachagua captioned the post: “The team to liberate Kenya gets bigger every day. Welcome, Dr. Fred Matiangi, Hon. JB Muturi and Hon. Mithika Linturi. You are on the right side of history.”

The post triggered a wave of reactions from netizens, with opinions sharply divided.

Some viewed it as a symbol of unity and hope for change, while others criticized it as a recycling of old political players.

“Before election, as Kenyans let us watch the BBC documentary,” Muchiri wa Kireng’ero said.

Edwin Koech added: “After the 2027 elections, many of you will find yourselves at odds with your sponsors. But that’s politics, and sometimes, the hard way is the only way we truly learn. Every misstep is still a step forward in experience.”

Skeptics dismissed the lineup, with one commenter branding it “too weak for an opposition role.” Another user, however, expressed optimism, saying, “We are good to go. This is the team to watch.”

A different section of online users was more cynical, with one post suggesting the group would “milk Kenya more than it is being milked now,” arguing that the alliance offered no genuine alternatives. 

Another lamented the re-emergence of seasoned politicians, asking, “Same old faces… what did you do when you had the opportunity?”

Rigathi Gachagua has become an outspoken critic of President William Ruto’s administration following his impeachment in October 2024. 

He has previously attributed his removal to his opposition to policies like the Finance Bill 2024 and the controversial housing levy, claiming he survived two assassination attempts allegedly orchestrated by state agents.

Fred Matiang’i, meanwhile, remains tight-lipped about his political intentions. 

The former CS recently returned to Kenya from the United States, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the night of April 17. 

Though he declined to address the press, he "thanked God for the good journey" off-record, saying he would speak to the country later.