Matiang’i allies change tack ahead of his return to Kisii

Allies of former Interior Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i have shifted strategy in reintroducing him to the political scene, opting for low-key and grassroots engagements over grand rallies.

Initially, Matiang’i’s camp had planned a major reception upon his return to Kenya, complete with a grand homecoming in Kisii.

However, these plans have since been scaled down following strategic advice from his inner circle.

Insiders now say that Matiang’i's advisers have recommended against large rallies or highly publicised events as he positions himself for a presidential run in 2027.

They argue that such gatherings are susceptible to unpredictable crowd reactions, which could be politically damaging at this early stage of his campaign.

In line with this new approach, Matiang’i is expected to quietly return to his Gusii backyard on April 2.

Instead of holding formal political rallies, he will make impromptu stopovers to greet locals at various locations across the Gusii region.

“The CS (Matiang’i) will only be greeting people during brief, unscheduled stopovers. No rallies or major events are planned across the Gusii region,” a source close to the team told The Star.

Following these engagements, Matiang’i will retreat to his Simbauti residence in Nyamira County, where he is expected to meet select opinion leaders in a private setting.

An earlier plan to ceremonially install Matiang’i as a Gusii elder has also been postponed.

The event was initially scheduled for April 4, but the Abagusii Culture and Development Council announced on April 29 that it would not go ahead as planned.

“We will not be holding the installation until further notice due to other considerations,” said council chairperson Araka Matundura.

The cultural rites involved in such an event require oversight by recognised community elders and intricate planning.

Sources suggest that the ceremony was postponed to allow for broader consultations and to better time the occasion for political and cultural impact.

Meanwhile, Matiang’i made a major political move on April 29 by joining a closed-door meeting with top opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This was his first public political engagement with Gachagua’s camp, officially ending speculation over his 2027 political alignment.

Other key figures present included Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP’s Martha Karua, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, former minister Mukhisa Kituyi, and former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi.

The high-stakes meeting in Nairobi is part of a broader effort by the opposition to consolidate a national movement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite his relatively quiet return from the United States, Matiang’i has been holding a series of private consultations with both regional and national leaders in Nairobi.

The approach, insiders say, reflects his preference for behind-the-scenes strategy over public showmanship.

Speaking ahead of the April 29 meeting, Gachagua told Weru TV that the opposition was focused on unity and would use objective criteria to select a candidate capable of defeating President Ruto.

“We will be meeting on Tuesday, and from that meeting, you are going to see a united team ready to liberate this country,” Gachagua said.

He downplayed fears of internal rivalry, insisting that scientific polling and structured dialogue would guide the coalition’s choice for flagbearer.