Gusii awaits: Matiang’i’s triumphant return sparks regional frenzy

The ex-CS is expected to be accompanied by most of the elected leaders from the Gusii region, including Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira).

Matiang’i, who spent the night at his Simbauti residence, will begin his tour at Kijauri (Nyansiongo) at 9 a.m., before addressing a mini-rally in Keroka.

He will then stop over at Keumbu Market, a popular open-air market, for a greet-the-people interaction before delivering a major address at the Kisii Capital Roundabout.

The former CS will next head to the Nyamira side, addressing mini-rallies at Kemera, Nyamira Town, Ekerenyo, and Ikonge.

He will conclude his tour of his homeland on May 2, 2025, with a final stop at his hometown of Chepilat.

Matiang’i will also pay courtesy calls on Governors Arati and Nyaribo at their offices in Kisii and Nyamira towns.

While all eyes will be on politicians allied with President William Ruto’s broad-based government to see whether they attend, the tour is being billed as a historic event.

On Thursday night, there was a wave of excitement across major towns in Kisii and Nyamira counties as branded vehicles traversed the region to mobilise residents.

In Kisii Town, at the Capital Roundabout, business came to a standstill as mobilisation vehicles stopped amid blaring music praising Matiang’i, prompting residents to break into dance across the streets.

DJs in popular clubs followed suit, playing loud vernacular songs in praise of the former CS as revellers went into a frenzy.

“Kisii Town was not the same on Thursday night — people literally spent the night singing and dancing across the streets as they awaited the return of our son, Fred Matiang’i,” said South Mugirango politician Gideon Moreka.

Moreka added that little to no business may take place across major towns in the two counties, except for the collective effort to welcome Matiang’i.

While Matiang’i is not expected to make any political declarations, there is a wave of excitement that the homecoming could be a prelude to his much-anticipated announcement later this year.

The Gusii region has seen a political stir, with many politicians scrambling to gain Matiang’i’s attention, as his expected presidential run is set to reshape the region’s political landscape.

Key political parties from the Gusii region — among them PDP, UPA, and KNC — are participating in mobilisation efforts across the area.

UPA National Chairperson Nyambega Gisesa said the former CS will be seeking to listen to the voices of his people during the tour.

“The CS will be here to interact with people from his homeland and hear their views on a range of issues,” he said.

Matiang’i, who recently returned to the country, is yet to make a public appearance or comment on his rumoured 2027 presidential ambitions.

On Tuesday, Matiang’i joined key opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for a crucial meeting as they firm up their 2027 plans.

This marked Matiang’i’s first-ever public meeting with Gachagua’s camp.

The high-stakes Nairobi meeting was part of a series of engagements organised by the opposition as early efforts to build a national movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Other leaders in attendance included Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Mukhisa Kituyi, and former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi.