Matiang’i holds high-level meeting with Natembeya amid opposition rift claims
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 17, 2025Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has visited the Trans Nzoia Governor at his offices in Trans Nzoia County.
Matiang’i was accompanied by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka to the high-level meeting.
They were welcomed by former minister and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) official and United Opposition spokesman Mukhisa Kituyi, who has a residence in the county. Together with second liberation fighter Wafula Buke, they received the two guests at Governor George Natembeya’s office and accompanied them to the high-level talks.
The governor was also accompanied by his delegation, comprising members of the County Assembly and County Executive Committee members (CECs).
In his speech during the visit, Matiang’i acknowledged the deep ties he has maintained with the Trans Nzoia governor over the years.
He stated that when he was serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary and Natembeya as Rift Valley Regional Commander, the two developed a strong working relationship, which has continued even after he left the Interior docket.
“We worked with Natembeya for a long time. We enjoyed a very deep and strong relationship while working together, and we have remained together even after that,” he said.
With all of them operating under the United Opposition umbrella, Matiang’i emphasised that such consultative meetings and visiting one another are healthy and positive toward coalition building. He noted that these engagements make it easier to constitute a strong team to face their opponents in 2027.
Perceived fallout
He further stated that another reason for meeting with other members within the coalition is the need to spend time together to find solutions to the challenges facing them as a political outfit.
Matiang’i also addressed the perceived fallout within the coalition whenever leaders hold meetings separately.
He referenced a recent instance where he was spotted with PLP party leader Martha Karua at an undisclosed location alongside other opposition principals during a separate press briefing.
He said such meetings should not be viewed as signs of disunity or discouragement, adding that they are part of coalition-building and bond-strengthening.
According to him, narratives suggesting division are being peddled by those opposed to the coalition.
This comes at a time when Matiang’i is slowly making inroads into various regions after being fronted by the Jubilee Party as its presidential candidate and deputy party leader. Recently, he held a meeting at his Nyansiongo residence in Nyamira County in the company of the Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.