Arati tells Matiang’i, Kalonzo to ditch opposition and join ODM

NAIROBI,Kenya Nov 3 – ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has launched a scathing attack on opposition leaders, accusing them of lacking direction and a coherent political plan as divisions emerge over the formation and leadership of a united coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Arati singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning his approach to coalition building and accusing him of contributing to the disintegration of the opposition through his political demands and remarks about the alliance’s leadership.

“Those opposition people, do they have a sense of direction really? They don’t have a plan or even brains. You have seen how they are disintegrating,” Arati said.

His remarks come amid growing disagreements among opposition leaders following Gachagua’s suggestion that he, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna were sufficient principals to steer the opposition’s political formation.

The proposal has triggered debate within the opposition, with questions emerging over the place of other political leaders, the coalition’s leadership structure and how a joint presidential candidate will be identified.

Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i has also raised concerns over what he termed majoritarian arrogance, warning that the approach could undermine efforts to unite opposition parties.

“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,” Matiang’i said.

The disagreements have exposed competing interests among opposition leaders, with different factions pushing for influence in the proposed coalition and questioning the criteria for determining its leadership.

Tensions were also witnessed during the unveiling of Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Nairobi, where Kalonzo was booed by sections of the crowd as supporters chanted Sifuna’s name.

The incident further highlighted the delicate relationship between the different political formations seeking to work together against President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

Arati used the divisions to appeal directly to Matiang’i and Kalonzo to reconsider their political positions and join ODM, saying the party offered a platform for a united political movement.

“My brother Matiang’i, have a second thought and come, let us build ODM and we will go together as one,” he said.

He also appealed to Kalonzo, whom he said he held in high regard, urging him not to be discouraged by what he described as disrespect within the opposition.

“My brother Kalonzo, whom I have immense respect for, don’t entertain this disrespect. Don’t have a heavy heart. Come and join us because President William Ruto will win the 2027 election,” Arati said.