Matiang’i Cautions Opposition: Forming A Coalition Government Is Not Easy

Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has acknowledged that negotiating a post-election power-sharing framework presents a significant challenge for the United Opposition as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary revealed that discussions surrounding a potential coalition government remain unresolved amid ongoing talks among principal opposition leaders.

The opposition camp—which includes Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and Democratic Action Party–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa—has repeatedly committed to fielding a single joint presidential candidate against President William Ruto. However, Matiang’i warned that establishing a post-election governance agreement could prove far more intricate than striking a pre-election campaign pact.

“Forming a coalition government is not easy. Whoever tells you it’s easy is lying,” Matiang’i said. “For now, we have not yet agreed. Talks are still ongoing.”

Law Enforcement and Regional Development

Beyond coalition politics, Matiang’i addressed national security and legal enforcement, calling on state security organs to act decisively against armed groups accused of disrupting political gatherings and harassing the public.

He criticized what he described as selective policing, contrasting the state’s handling of violent gangs with its speed in apprehending youth over digital commentary.

“How can you be unable to arrest criminals walking with machetes while at the same time you arrest young people posting on their social media?” Matiang’i posed.

Turning to regional development ahead of the 2027 polls, the Jubilee leader highlighted chronic water scarcity in Narok and Kajiado counties as a central focus of his party’s policy agenda, pledging sustainable infrastructure solutions for the pastoralist counties. Matiang’i also confirmed that the Jubilee Party has identified its prospective gubernatorial candidates for both counties.