Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Friday, May 2, 2025, began his consultative tour of Gusii region with a rousing welcome in which thousands of his supporters thronged the streets to listen to the leader.
In his first major public address since leaving office in 2022, Matiang’i was flanked by regional leaders, including Kisii governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart, Governor Amos Nyaribo, who hails from the former CS’s home turf.
Matiang’i, who expressed his interest in transforming the country in 2027 in case he wins the presidency, was also backed by the local leaders and residents in the region, who promised to support his candidature.
Leaders present
During the consultative tour of the region, Matiang’i was accompanied by senators Richard Onyonka, Okong’o Omogeni and Gloria Orwoba.
The former no-nonsense cabinet secretary was also accompanied to the public meetings by the region’s MPs, among them Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and former leaders, including former Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i.
Matiang’i’s convoy is expected to snake its way from Kijauri, Keroka, Keumbu and Kisii Town, where the former CS will address the residents from a dais.
Matiang’i’s entourage is also expected to pass through the areas of Kemera, Nyamira, Ekerenyo and Ikonge.
Strategy meeting
The rallies come just shortly after Matiang’i met key opposition figures, including People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is due to unveil his political party.
While Matiang’i’s name has prominently featured as one of the most promising front-runners in the opposition to lead the united front of opposition leaders against President William Ruto in 2027, Gachagua maintains that the candidate they will settle on will be mutually agreed upon.
“I will be vying for the presidency—so are Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa. However, in the end, we shall sit down, talk and agree to back one candidate. Even if it’s not me, I will support whoever we settle on,” Gachagua indicated.
While the Jubilee Party has endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential flag-bearer for the 2027 general election, the former Cabinet Secretary is yet to publicly declare his intention for the office on the hill.