His remarks, widely reported by the Daily Nation, exposed deep divisions within the United Opposition and signalled a hardening of positions as succession politics gathers pace.
Gachagua described Jubilee as the weakest link in the opposition alliance, arguing that the party no longer commands the political discipline or loyalty required to confront President William Ruto effectively.
He claimed that Jubilee has been hollowed out by individuals sympathetic to the current administration, leaving it vulnerable to infiltration and internal sabotage.
According to Gachagua, this has made it difficult for the opposition to project unity or craft a clear strategy.
At the centre of his criticism was Jubilee’s preferred presidential hopeful, former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i. Gachagua questioned Matiang’i’s national viability, insisting that any serious presidential contender must first secure a solid regional base.
He argued that without firm control of a home constituency, a candidate lacks leverage during coalition negotiations and risks being isolated when political pressure mounts.
Gachagua revealed that he had privately urged Matiang’i to consider forming a new party anchored in Nyanza to guarantee loyalty and organisational strength.
Gachagua also took issue with Jubilee’s silence during recent political attacks on Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming that party officials failed to defend their own leader.
He said it was telling that he, alongside ODM figures, spoke out while Jubilee leaders remained quiet, a situation he interpreted as evidence of divided loyalties within the party.
In his view, this reluctance to confront political opponents reflects a deeper problem that could cost the opposition dearly.
On strategy, Gachagua rejected proposals to unveil a joint opposition presidential candidate early, warning that such a move would expose the candidate to sustained political and administrative pressure long before the election.
Drawing from his experience in Mt Kenya politics, he said early declarations invite infiltration, defections, and intimidation, risks that are better managed closer to the election period.
Despite his hardline stance, Gachagua portrayed himself as pragmatic rather than obstructive.
He maintained that he remains a strong contender for the opposition ticket but is prepared to support another candidate if a transparent and credible selection process is agreed upon.
He called for open debate within the opposition, stressing that unity must be built through honest discussion rather than rushed declarations.
Gachagua’s remarks underscored his determination to shape the opposition’s direction, positioning himself as both a critic and a power broker in the unfolding 2027 contest.
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