Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was met with a hero’s welcome on Friday, May 2, 2025, as he arrived in the Gusii region for a series of high-profile political rallies.
The visit, seen as a major step in his 2027 presidential ambitions, drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters who lined the streets to receive him with cheers, song, and dance.
Kisii town was at a standstill, with anticipation building up in the town’s Central Business District (CBD) ahead of the leader’s tour.
Local leaders, including UDA-nominated senator Gloria Orwoba and Kisii senator Richard Onyonka, were seen in a convoy drumming up support for Matiang’i; other leaders present in the tour are Clive Ombane Gisairo and former Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i.
During his visit to the region, the former CS is expected to do a meet-the-people tour and official courtesy visits to the offices of the respective Governors of Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Within the counties, Matiang’i will make key stop-overs at Kijauri, Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii Town, and Nyamira.
Matiang’i says the purpose of his visit is to highlight his commitment to listening to the people and reconnecting with the grassroots.
The tour comes just days after Matiang’i appeared to have joined forces with major opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi, and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, among other leaders.
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.