Former
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged former Interior Cabinet
Secretary Fred Matiang’i to secure at least 2.5 million votes to
become a formidable contender within the opposition alliance.In a
wide-ranging interview with Egesa FM, a vernacular radio station broadcasting in
the Ekegusii dialect, Gachagua said Matiang’i must also consolidate political
support in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
He argued
that just as he commands influence as the political kingpin of Mt. Kenya,
Matiang’i must rally the Gusii community and secure the backing of the region’s
majority of politicians.
Gachagua
warned that any visible opposition to Matiang’i's presidential ambitions from
within the Gusii region would portray the community as fragmented and “not
ready to seek the presidency.”
He pointed
to his strong support base in Mt. Kenya, which earned him the region’s
spokesperson status, as an example that Matiang’i should emulate.
Gachagua
acknowledged that while Matiang’i received a heroic welcome during his
homecoming in the Gusii region on May 2, 2025, there are still critical gaps
the community must address to remain competitive in the 2027 presidential race.
“Fred
Matiang’i seems qualified, robust, very active, and tough; he has the qualities
of a president. But does he have the necessary support from home? Because if
we’re to add our support, he must first demonstrate unity at home. If Matiang’i
doesn’t rally the Kisii behind him, he won’t stand a chance,” Gachagua said.
The former
Deputy President emphasised that Matiang’i must ensure that the estimated 2.5
million votes from Gusii counties and the diaspora are not lost to rival
presidential candidates.
“Time has
come for the Omogusii community to vote as a bloc and avoid splitting their
votes if they want to secure Matiang’i a position as President, Deputy
President, or Prime Cabinet Secretary,” he said.
“When you
look at the 2.5 million votes, that’s a good number—enough to sit at the table
and tell your colleagues, ‘I’m a strong candidate.’”
Gachagua
also urged Gusii elders to speak up in defence of Matiang’i and discourage
local politicians from antagonising or attacking the former CS.
He also asked the Gusii community to unite as they did during the time of former Minister Simon Nyachae, when no one would dare touch or insult him without facing the full wrath of the community.
“What I’m
looking for is evidence that the Gusii community has accepted Matiang’i as its
leader. We don’t want to see some leaders insulting him while community elders
remain silent,” Gachagua said.
“Elders
should come out and rebuke these young leaders who are attacking Matiang’i so
that we can be convinced the community is truly behind him.”
He
contrasted this with Mt. Kenya, where he said elders promptly step in to defend
their political figureheads from internal attacks.
“In Mt.
Kenya, they cannot insult me while within the region. They may try it outside,
but when they return, they are reminded to toe the line,” he said.
“People
like Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Chris Obure, and Sam Ongeri are elders who
should tell these young people off.”
Gachagua
cited a recent instance where Kisii Governor Simba Arati advised Matiang’i to
join ODM to improve his presidential prospects.
Arati had earlier received Matiang'i during his Gusii region homecoming before making remarks that appeared to contradict his allegiance.
“Young
people cannot insult a community leader while the elders remain quiet,”
Gachagua concluded.