Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on Kenyans to embrace a united but diverse opposition, saying differences in opinion should be viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness.

Speaking during the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya’s National Delegates Congress (NDC) held in Nairobi on Friday, October 10, 2025, Matiang’i said building an effective coalition is not about uniformity, but about bringing together passionate leaders who care deeply about the country’s future. He urged opposition leaders to stay focused on the bigger goal of delivering a better Kenya rather than getting lost in personal ambitions or disagreements.

“I would like to urge us, fellow Kenyans, this is the truth, building an opposition or a coalition is a journey of alignments and coming together,” Matiang’i said, adding that opposition will remain strong despite the challenges. “We will be together despite our differences, not because we don’t have differences. We will work on this together.” Matiang’i added.

This comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denied having a rift with Matiang’i.

He described the process of uniting political forces as long and demanding, but one that is necessary for national progress. “It is a long journey that we are determined to walk together. The goal we have is greater than each one of us,” he noted.

Matiang’i added that occasional disagreements within a coalition should not be seen as division, but rather as a reflection of leaders who care deeply about the country.

“Occasionally, if we have differences of opinion, that is precisely because we are a group of people who are passionate and love their country,” he said.

In a striking metaphor, Matiang’i cautioned against a government that seeks blind agreement or uniformity, saying effective leadership should reflect diversity of thought and collaboration.

“We do not expect that Kenyans want a government that looks like a boys choir or girls quartet,” he stated.

He emphasised that what the country needs is a leadership team made up of independent thinkers who can debate, reason together, and finally agree on solutions for the nation’s good. “It is supposed to be a group of people who are smart, who work together, who argue, then they come together and form one government,” Matiang’i said.

The former CS concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a united opposition that prioritises the welfare of Kenyans. “We assure you that Kenya will be an opportunity and priority number one. Let us all work together,” he said.