Gachagua’s arrogance and pride could split opposition - Matiang’i

Speaking on NTV on Sunday, November 1, Matiang’i responded to remarks by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who said he, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Linda Mwananchi Movement’s Edwin Sifuna were enough to form the next government, with other leaders free to join.

Matiang’i argued that such remarks reflected majoritarian arrogance and could make it difficult for opposition leaders to be united.

“That majoritarian arrogance and that particular pride is precisely what is going to split the opposition and make it very difficult for the opposition to come together,” he said.

In Matiang’i's view, the opposition should instead embrace an inclusive approach that brings all Kenyans on board, arguing that the country’s leadership should not be determined by a few political groups.

“No Kenyan left behind. We must have everyone on board,” he said.

Matiang’i also opposed the idea of selecting a presidential candidate based on ethnic numbers, saying leadership should be determined by competence, character, qualifications and track record rather than community background.

He added that the country’s leadership should be based on capacity, not community and cultural connections.

“The leadership and the future of our country is not a matter to be decided on ethnic balkanization. It ought to be decided on the basis of capacity, not community. It is a matter of content of character, not cultural connections,” Matiang’i said.

He cited the 2007 post-election period as a warning against politics based on ethnic background, saying the country had previously suffered when political competition was framed around arrogance.

“If you remember in 2007, when we had challenges in this country, the whole politics started from that level of arrogance, which finally resulted in 41 versus 1, and caused so much pain and anguish in the country,” he added.

Matiang’i further challenged opposition leaders to present their policies and records to Kenyans rather than treating communities as bargaining blocs.

“Let us go out, sell our policies, put out our track record, talk to the people of Kenya, and then the people of Kenya, in their multiplicity, in their groups, in their economic activities, decide that we think this gentleman or that lady will lead us better,” he said.

He said that he and other opposition figures were promoting the idea of one term plus positive change, arguing that political energy should be directed towards addressing problems facing the country rather than trading insults and slogans.

He further emphasized on importance of political leaders in upholding democratic principles. He urged that the voices of all Kenyans should be heard.

“We are a democracy. People's voice must be heard,” he said.

He further urged that the opposition should focus on the abilities and qualifications of potential leaders, saying the country’s future should be determined through a competition of ideas, platforms and records rather than ethnic calculations.