How Ruto plans to counter Matiangi, opposition in Gusii region

President William Ruto’s team has crafted a strategy to counter the influence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i and the opposition in the Gusii region.

The plan involves mobilising both the political class and professionals to amplify the government’s development agenda and consolidate support for the UDA administration.

As part of the strategy, Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro is leading a team tasked with cascading ongoing empowerment projects to the grassroots.

The team, currently in Kisii, is planning rallies across all 65 wards in Kisii and Nyamira counties, where residents will receive empowerment goodies. President Ruto is also expected to return to the region by September 20.

Parallel to the rallies, Ruto is relying on professionals, including his appointees in government, to engage communities directly and raise awareness of development initiatives in the region.

Two weeks ago, he hosted a delegation of more than 5,000 people at State House and is expected to meet another group led by Governor Simba Arati ahead of his tour of Kisii and Nyamira.

On Wednesday night, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba hosted a dinner at a Nairobi hotel, bringing together professionals, academics, community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders, and senior civil servants from the Gusii and Kuria communities.

Political leaders at the meeting included MPs Joash Nyamoko, Danien Manduku, Innocent Obiri, and Nairobi County Assembly Majority Whip Moses Ogeto.

Migos announced that the President will soon visit the region to lay the foundation stone for the Sh3.9 billion Nyamira University project at Kiabonyoru and launch other projects.

 He noted that the national government is currently implementing projects worth Sh25 billion in the region, urging attendees to return to their communities and sensitize the public about Ruto’s development agenda.

“Our MPs Osoro, Renee Mayaka, Donya Aburi, and Zaheer Jhanda are back home preparing to hold empowerment rallies in all 65 wards of Kisii and Nyamira counties. That is why they are not here tonight,” Migos said.

He added:

 “This meeting builds on our earlier engagement with the President, and we see the unity it fosters. We must continue with such forums.”

Beyond the projects, the CS emphasised the need to communicate their impact clearly.

“We need to highlight these projects and explain what they mean to people as individuals and as a community. The truth can only be told by those who understand what we are doing,” he said.

He further noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration had ensured representation of the Gusii community in key government appointments.

“We hold these positions in trust for our community and the country as a whole. Let’s use them to create awareness of government initiatives and to rally support for programs designed to uplift our people,” Migos said.