By Fridah Mbuvi, June 15, 2026
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has publicly apologized for missing the first two days of the United Opposition’s high-profile Western Kenya tour, explaining that his absence was due to a family bereavement, even as speculation grows over internal divisions within the coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a Sunday Mass at St Mary’s Kibabii Catholic Church in Kanduyi constituency, Bungoma County, Matiang’i expressed both private and public apologies to his political allies. He said he was unable to join the Friday and Saturday legs of the tour after being drawn into funeral arrangements and related family obligations, including attending the burial of Rukia Mandari, the wife of former Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto, in Nyamira County on Friday.
Matiang’i eventually joined the opposition delegation on Sunday during the final leg of the three-day regional campaign, after what he described as unavoidable personal commitments that kept him away from the earlier events.
However, despite his explanation, his absence has intensified political chatter within opposition circles, with analysts and insiders pointing to possible underlying tensions and emerging power struggles in the coalition. His failure to appear alongside other senior leaders during the opening days of the tour was particularly notable, especially after earlier assurances from DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa that Matiang’i was expected to arrive.
Concerns have also been raised over perceived disunity within allied political formations, with observers noting that no senior Jubilee Party figure participated in the initial stages of the tour. This comes against the backdrop of recent political friction involving rival alignments in Mt Kenya, where some leaders have publicly taken opposing positions in joint rallies and regional mobilization efforts.
Political commentators have further suggested that the pattern of separate appearances and mixed messaging among key opposition figures could signal deeper strategic disagreements within the coalition as it attempts to consolidate support ahead of the next electoral cycle. Analysts warn that continued public displays of disunity may undermine efforts to present a coherent alternative to the current administration, potentially weakening the opposition’s standing among voters.
