Speaking
during a series of mini-rallies in major towns along the Kisii-Sotik Road,
Matiang’i said he is first listening to the people before making any final
decision.
He acknowledged that he has accepted the people’s go-ahead to engage with leaders across the country, promising that his 2027 plans will soon be unveiled.
“I thank
you for giving me the green light to sit down and engage with other leaders.
When the right time comes, I will come back here and tell you what’s next,”
Matiang’i told ecstatic crowds at Nyansiongo Market.
Thousands
of supporters turned out to welcome him during his first tour of the entire
Gusii region since his return from the United States, amid growing speculation
about a 2027 presidential bid.
“The time
will come, and I will sit down with you so that we agree, as a people, on the
way forward,” he told cheering supporters.
Matiang’i
is widely expected to run for the presidency in 2027, especially after recent
talks with key opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi
Gachagua.
Speaking in
Keroka on May 2, Matiang’i called on the Gusii community to remain united but
stopped short of formally declaring his presidential bid, despite mounting
pressure from local MPs.
“I want to
thank you for your love — I love you from the bottom of my heart. Let’s move
forward together and do all that gives praise to our Father in heaven,”
Matiang’i said.
His remarks
came as MPs from the Gusii region closed ranks on May 2, declaring their
support for him ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nyamira
Governor Amos Nyaribo also called on the community to rally behind Matiang’i,
saying, “We have given him the authority to go and consult with others and
prepare for 2027.”
Lawmakers from across the political divide made similar remarks during Matiang’i’s homecoming rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Among those
pledging support were MPs allied both to President William Ruto and former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, signalling a potential shake-up in regional support
for Kenya Kwanza and ODM as political dynamics ahead of 2027 continue to
evolve.
“As a
community, we have decided that Matiang’i will bring us together because, for a
long time, we have been mocked by others,” said North Mugirango MP Joash
Nyamoko.
Nyamoko, a UDA MP, urged the region to rally behind Matiang’i, describing him as the only Gusii leader capable of uniting the community for a common cause.
He spoke at
Chepilat Market in Nyamira County, where Matiang’i stopped to greet residents
who had turned out in large numbers.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo (ODM) said the Gusii community would stand firmly behind Matiang’i in 2027, encouraging residents to register as voters.
“Here is
the man you asked us to bring forward for you — please, let’s support him
because he has demonstrated a solid track record,” he said.
Kitutu
Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi (ODM) echoed the call for unity, urging the
region to back Matiang’i’s efforts to unite the community and pursue the
presidency in 2027.
“Are you
ready for Matiang’i?” he asked the crowd, which roared back in affirmation. “We
must be ready now because we have our presidential candidate. Our people must
now register as voters so we can take the State House.”
Other
leaders who voiced their support included Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka,
UDA-nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, and former West Mugirango MP Vincent
Kemosi.
Matiang’i, who spent the night at his Simbauti residence, began his tour at Kijauri (Nyansiongo) at 9 a.m., before addressing a mini-rally in Keroka.
He then
stopped at Keumbu Market, a popular open-air market, for a meet-the-people
session before delivering a major address at the Kisii Capital Roundabout.
Thousands of residents turned out to welcome him.
