Disquiet has rocked Fred Matiang'i's political camp following the decision by some of his Gusii allies to align themselves with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement.
The development has sparked debate amid fears the former powerful Interior CS could lose momentum in his own backyard as he intensifies his 2027 presidential bid.
The anxiety was laid bare by Borabu parliamentary aspirant Morara Kebaso, who questioned why leaders from Kisii and Nyamira were skipping Matiang'i's events while attending those organised by Linda Mwananchi.
"We went to Embu last Saturday. You sent apologies that you could not make it. The next day you were in Nyahururu promoting and branding a different presidential candidate," he said in an apparent swipe at Gusii leaders.
"We love you. We value you. But don't betray us. If indeed you want a better Kenya, then you know what Matiang'i is capable of."
Kebaso said all political efforts should be directed towards strengthening Matiang'i's presidential campaign.
"All energy, time and resources should be directed towards building the Matiang'i presidential brand. Therefore, I don't understand why our supporters should be too invested in Linda Mwananchi, which is building a different presidential candidate," he said.
Kebaso warned against divided loyalties.
"If you are in Linda Mwananchi and at the same time you are a Jubilee supporter, where you also have a presidential candidate, that multibet will not work. Main chick and side chick politics is adultery. Choose a side and be loyal," he said.
His remarks lifted the lid on the growing unease within Matiang'i's camp.
The concern is that while the former Cabinet Secretary is touring the country to popularise his presidential bid, several of his key allies are becoming more visible in Sifuna's political movement.
Sifuna's recent announcement he would soon unveil a political party to contest the next general election has heightened anxiety within Matiang'i's camp.
This has raised questions over whether leaders supporting camps will eventually join Sifuna's new party or rally behind Matiang'i's Jubilee party.
However, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka dismissed claims their involvement in Linda Mwananchi signals a fallout with Matiang'i's camp.
"We are mutually exclusively inclusive. We have agreed to be on separate paths in the opposition but champion the same agenda," he said.
He said he supports Matiang'i in the same way he supports other opposition leaders whose agenda is to remove President William Ruto from power next year.
"I cannot start talking about Jubilee and I'm an ODM guy. Somebody will write a letter to my party and say the reason why I'm in Linda is that Linda split from ODM," he said.
The senator insisted the opposition would eventually settle on one political vehicle.
"We will sit as a team and agree which party locally is substantive and is going to carry out our dreams and visions and we will agree to work with it. We have no contradictory issues with Fred. If we agree it is Jubilee, we will run with Fred," he said.
"If we find we need to go to another party, we will go to another. I don't see why people are uncomfortable."
Political analyst Charles Munyui said Linda Mwananchi should not be viewed as a rival political party.
"Linda Mwananchi is not necessarily a political party. It is a movement. It doesn't necessarily mean that if you are in Linda Mwananchi, then you have problems with your party," he said.
"The leaders and Gen Z are identifying themselves with Linda Mwananchi. It is an umbrella, just like a coalition of parties."
Out of the 13 constituencies in the Gusii region, leaders from four constituencies have openly associated themselves with Linda Mwananchi.
They are Onyonka, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi.
Although they insist they continue to back Matiang'i's presidential bid, their prominence in Linda Mwananchi has fuelled speculation over where their political loyalty to Matiang'i will ultimately lie.
At least six elected leaders from the region have aligned themselves with President Ruto.
They are South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, North Mugirango's Joash Nyamoko, Nyaribari Chache's Zaheer Jhanda, Kitutu Chache North's Japheth Nyakundi, West Mugirango's Steve Mogaka and Bomachoge Chache's Alpha Miruka.
Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri is also allied with the President.
Only Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni and Borabu MP Patrick Osero have remained firmly in Matiang'i's corner without publicly embracing Linda Mwananchi.
Bonchari MP Charles Onchoke and Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri have largely remained neutral.
Sifuna and leaders in Linda Mwananchi have repeatedly dismissed claims the movement is creating divisions within the opposition.
They insist it is intended to unite Kenyans seeking political change ahead of 2027.
The Gusii region is Matiang'i's home turf.
It was expected that leaders and residents from the region would rally behind him to anchor his presidential bid.
A divided home base could weaken his influence during negotiations to pick a single opposition flagbearer.
Often referred to as "Mr Fix It" during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, Matiang'i has been rebuilding his national profile in recent months.
He is widely seen as Uhuru's preferred political heir and enjoys growing support among Gen Z voters.
His record in public service and reputation as a decisive administrator have boosted calls for him to join the 2027 presidential race.
Instant analysis
The growing overlap between Fred Matiang'i's supporters and Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement highlights the fluid nature of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election. While leaders insist the movement complements rather than competes with existing political parties, competing political brands risk confusing supporters and weakening Matiang'i's grip on his Gusii stronghold. His ability to consolidate support in his home region will strengthen his bargaining power in future opposition coalition talks. Failure to do so could diminish his influence as the race to challenge President William Ruto intensifies.
Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i /HANDOUT
