Matiang’i declares intention to court Ruto-allied MPs in presidential push
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, has implored members of the Gusii community to respect elected leaders, saying he will talk to those allied to the Kenya Kwanza government to back his presidential bid.
Speaking on Friday, June 27, 2025, Matiang’i challenged members of the Gusii community to unite and speak with one voice for other communities to rally behind him, saying he is ready to journey together with all Kenyans.
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He further appealed to the leaders to listen to and heed the wishes of the voters, saying he is ready to vie for the presidency as he is negotiating with allies from other communities to support him.
“This is the time we are supposed to be united as a community more than ever before. We might differ in views, but it does not mean we cannot agree,” Matiangi told mourners at Sengera Girls Secondary School ground in Bomachoge Chache constituency during the funeral of Mwalimu Jeremiah Okemwa.
Accompanied by Senator Richard Onyonka, Kisii County Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, and lawmakers Innocent Obiri (Bobasi), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Alpha Miruka (host), and Deputy Speaker Jacob Bagaka, Matiang’i said he will meet leaders from the Gusii community to chart a political course ahead of the 2027 general election.
Resigning from US job
At the same time, the former CS informed the residents that he had quit his job in the US and he was ready to focus on the presidential bid.
“When I came here in May, you told me to resign from my work in the US and return to vie for presidency. I am here and ready to roll my sleeves and ready to journey together till we reach” Matiang’i pointed out.
Matiang’i, who conveyed condolence messages from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa, noted he is negotiating with them to support his presidential ambition.
The former CS, who made his second public appearance in Gusii, appealed to the leaders not to abuse the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos, and other members of the community working in the government, saying it will derail their work and create a bad impression.
Matiang’i said he will involve elders and church leaders to guide politicians in the community, saying the time was ripe for the community to produce the next president of the country to rebuild the country to foster development.
Condemns killings during protests
He condemned the recent killings of Gen Z protesters, saying it was wrong for the government to fail to address the plight of youths to improve their lives, stressing the country is headed in the wrong direction, and urged church leaders to pray for it.
Echoing his sentiments, Onyonka accused President William Ruto’s government of failing to address challenges facing Kenyans, adding, Kenyans needed to elect a president who would address their plight and improve their lives.
“Our country is in a bad state. The killing of Gen Z protesters is not auguring well for the country. We need leadership which is responsive to the needs of its citizens,” Onyonka said.
Obiri, elected through the Wiper Democratic Movement Party, supported the former CS’s presidential aspiration and urged Kenyans to rally behind him.
He appealed to youths who have not acquired identity cards to acquire them and register as voters so that they can vote for Matiang’i to win.
“The only way for Matiang’i is for you to register as a voter and vote to make his ambition a reality,” Obiri told mourners, sentiments echoed by former Kisii Central Ward representative Kefa Mogaka.
Drama and heckling
Initially, there was drama when a section of youths heckled Miruka after Kibagendi gave him a microphone to address them, forcing Onyonka to intervene and invite Matiang’i to address the mourners.
And when Kibagendi took over from Matiang’i, the youths kept on shouting, and even Obadiah was not allowed to address the mourners after the public address system failed, compelling the mc to end the ceremony prematurely, forcing Miruka to leave in a huff.
