Fred Matiang'i could eventually end up in President William Ruto's camp, two political voices have claimed, reigniting the "mole" debate within the United Opposition.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai said: "People say Matiang'i is a mole, and I think he might eventually join the government. It was very telling that President Ruto was not as harsh on him during his rally in Kisii."
Alai added: "When competing against President Ruto, you need to be very prepared."
Policy and governance expert Bosco Mutegi Kiura shared the view, saying Matiang'i might end up joining Ruto because Gachagua keeps pushing the United Opposition. He said Gachagua has even been described as its "prefect."
On Ruto, Kiura warned: "Ruto has mastered every candidate's weaknesses. If you're running against him, you need to put your arsenal in order because he knows your strengths and weaknesses. He's not an ordinary opponent to take on."
The claims are speculation, and Matiang'i has repeatedly rejected them.
In August, he said he had no affiliation with UDA, adding that he has no personal problem with Ruto, and accused critics of name-calling.
In April, he told supporters in Kisii and Kuria that he would not join Ruto's administration, which he claimed is rife with wrongdoing.
The "mole" talk surfaced amid remarks by Rigathi Gachagua questioning the loyalty of some opposition figures, with Matiang'i pointing out that Gachagua himself once served alongside Ruto.
Kisii has become a key battleground. Matiang'i was endorsed as Gusii political kingpin by elders in February, while Nation reports Ruto is reorganising Gusii politics and Matiang'i alleges inducements and intimidation.
Matiang'i has described the alliance as a work in progress, saying leaders need time to build trust and warning against turning differences into enmity.
Alai, an ODM member, is among the strongest defenders of ODM's cooperation with Ruto.
Kiura has previously urged the opposition to give Kenyans an alternative agenda rather than rely on the Wantam slogan alone.
Whether Matiang'i's next move confirms or silences the claims, the Gusii battle for 2027 is only getting hotter by the day.
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