NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday held high-level talks with former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, signalling a fresh push to unify opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.
The closed-door meeting, which took place amid intensifying efforts to build a formidable challenge to President William Ruto’s administration, adds to growing speculation around the shape of Kenya’s next political coalition.
Wamuchomba, who was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket but has since emerged as one of the government’s fiercest critics, hinted at a brewing political shift.
In a cryptic post shared shortly after the meeting, she wrote: “Consultations on going ……Wantam is inevitable.”
Consultations on going …….Wantam is inevitable.
The remarks, widely interpreted as a swipe at President Ruto’s re-election prospects, come at a time when political realignments are gathering pace across the country.
Charity Ngilu, a former Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya coalition member, has kept a low profile since the 2022 election loss but appears to be re-entering the political arena through renewed opposition engagements.
Matiang’i, meanwhile, has been on a visible political comeback trail.
On May 2, he publicly declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027 during a homecoming rally at Gusii Stadium.
“I am ready to be President of Kenya,” Matiang’i told an enthusiastic crowd. “You have asked me to come and serve this country… I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country.”
IN PICTURES. Gathoni Wamuchomba holds consultative meeting with Fred Matiang’i and Charity Ngilu. #MeruFmNews
The former CS is expected to step down from his current role with the World Bank in the coming weeks to focus on his campaign.
His recent meetings with political heavyweights—including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Rigathi Gachagua—point to a broader strategy of cross-regional coalition building.
While Gachagua’s current position within the ruling coalition remains complex, he has on several occasions praised Matiang’i’s leadership credentials.
Speaking on Egesa FM earlier this week, Gachagua described the former CS as a capable and seasoned leader with a proven track record in public service.
With fresh alliances forming and familiar faces re-emerging, the race to State House is already beginning to take form—two years ahead of schedule.
