Manyora explains why cracks in United Opposition signal strong coalition
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 11, 2025Seasoned political analyst Herman Manyora has stated that the cracks currently being witnessed within the United Opposition are a sign of a coalition destined to go far.
Speaking during an interview on his YouTube channel on Friday, October 10, 2025, Manyora explained that the disagreements among coalition principals are healthy and necessary for any political alliance that seeks longevity and success.
According to him, differences within a coalition are normal, and their absence would actually be suspicious.
He noted that if coalition leaders always met without disagreements, constantly laughing and sharing tea, it would indicate a lack of depth or genuine ambition.
“But the differences, again, are normal. If there were no differences, that would be suspicious; I would know it wouldn’t last. If they always met and were just laughing and having tea all the time, I’d know it wouldn’t last,” he said.
Why are differences necessary?
Manyora emphasised that politics, especially when it involves the presidency, brings out the highest levels of ambition.
He explained that one cannot aspire to be president and have half-hearted ambition. Everyone must desire it strongly, and when several ambitious individuals share the same goal, friction is inevitable.
“Politics, especially when it involves the presidency, brings out the highest level of ambition. You cannot want to be president and have your ambition be half-hearted. You must want it badly enough, and if you want it badly enough, and I want it badly enough, and Jad wants it badly enough, and someone else wants it badly enough, surely there will be some level of friction,” he said.
Opposition cracks
These remarks come at a time when perceived cracks have begun to emerge within the United Opposition, with senior figures allegedly sidelining former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
In recent weeks, Matiang’i has been noticeably absent from several coalition tours aimed at popularising their joint political bid.
Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, while issuing nomination certificates to the Magarini Constituency aspirant, appeared to criticise Matiang’i indirectly.
He remarked that elections are won through grassroots engagement rather than boardroom meetings, poster printing, or social media campaigns.
He further claimed to have firsthand experience in helping make two people presidents, emphasising that electoral victory is found on the ground, not online.
However, during the Wiper Party National Delegates Conference held at Uhuru Park on Friday, October 10, 2025, Matiang’i dismissed these rumours, reaffirming his commitment to the United Opposition. He appealed to coalition principals to remain united despite their differences and focus on their common objective—preventing President William Ruto from being re-elected.
He further announced that whoever the United Opposition settles on as the flagbearer, he will throw his weight behind him.