Gachagua said the former CS has a solid service and delivery track record, having held key positions in the ministries of Interior, Education, and ICT during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Speaking to the Gusii community during an interview on Egesa FM, a vernacular radio station broadcasting in the Ekegusii language, Gachagua emphasised that Matiang’i has the credentials to lead the nation.
“Matiang’i did a good job when he was the Security Minister and when he served in the Education and ICT dockets. He is qualified, competent, and suitable to be the President of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
However, he challenged the Gusii community to rally behind the former CS to strengthen his chances of securing the opposition alliance’s presidential ticket and garnering national support.
He noted that despite Matiang’i’s impressive credentials, he cannot win the presidency without support from across the country—and that must begin with a strong backing from his home region.
“I can’t go to Mount Kenya and ask my people to support Matiang’i when he has no support from home. For him to have a chance, he must first demonstrate that he has the support of the entire Omogusii community,” Gachagua said.
The former DP urged Matiang’i to consolidate at least 2.5 million votes from Kisii and Nyamira counties, including support from both local and diaspora populations, to be a strong contender at the negotiation table.
“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,” Gachagua 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 cautioned that for Matiang’i to be taken seriously within the opposition coalition, he must also earn the respect of leaders from his community.
He said that while Matiang’i possesses the necessary credentials, some local leaders continue to oppose him.
“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 the community elders fail to speak out,” Gachagua said.
He cited a case where Kisii Governor Simba Arati recently urged Matiang’i to join ODM to improve his chances of winning the presidency.
He also mentioned National Assembly Majority Whip and South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, along with Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, as Gusii leaders opposed to Matiang’i’s political rise.
“Elders should come out and rebuke these young leaders who are attacking Matiang’i, so that we can be convinced that the community is truly behind him,” Gachagua added.
“For Matiang’i to gain broad acceptance across the country, he must demonstrate that he has the full backing of his community to earn a seat at the negotiation table.”
Gachagua added that the opposition coalition will act selflessly and present a single candidate to challenge President Ruto in order to increase their chances of taking power.
“At the right time, we shall bring in experts to help us craft a formula to determine who becomes President, Deputy President, and Prime Cabinet Secretary, so that we can form a brand-new government,” Gachagua said.
