IN SHORT: Kenya’s opposition politicians have become a regular target of false information as they strategise ahead of the 2027 elections. A viral graphic, which claims that Rigathi Gachagua has accused Fred Matiang’i of working with the government, is fabricated.
Former Kenyan deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that fellow opposition politician Fred Matiang’i is secretly working with the country’s intelligence agency. That’s according to a graphic circulating on Facebook.
The graphic quotes the former deputy president as saying that opposition politicians have therefore decided to isolate him.
“Our moles in Government have informed us that Fred Matiangi is working with NIS, which is why you don't see us with him at our functions. We have therefore decided to keep him away,” the graphic reads.
It features the logo of Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), implying that it was published by the party.
The National Intelligence Service, or NIS, is the country’s intelligence agency.
Gachagua served as deputy president from 2022 until his impeachment in October 2024, following a fallout with president William Ruto. The president and his allies accused him of corruption, inciting ethnic divisions and undermining the government, among other allegations.
Since his impeachment, he has worked to unite opposition leaders hoping to unseat Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Matiang’i served as a cabinet secretary in various ministries under former president Uhuru Kenyatta between 2013 and 2022.
The graphic has been posted widely.
But is it authentic and did Gachagua actually make the remarks? We checked.
No evidence
The graphic features the logo of the DCP, suggesting that the party published it. However, Africa Check did not find it on the DCP’s Facebook or X accounts. As of 24 September 2025, the party has only published one graphic quoting its leader, on 13 September, since it was officially unveiled on 15 May. This is the first clue that the viral quote could have been fabricated.
Local media closely follow Gachagua’s political remarks and report extensively on both him and the opposition. Had he actually made this remark, it would have indicated cracks within the opposition and would likely have been widely reported and debated. However, no reliable sources have reported this claim.
Just a day before the graphic emerged, local media reported that opposition leaders had dismissed speculation about disunity within their ranks.
All indications suggest that the graphic is fake and should be disregarded.
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