Ruto, Raila headache as Matiang’i woos Kisii

Matiang’i, a powerful figure in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, has signalled plans to run for the presidency in 2027 as he strengthens his grip on this crucial vote bloc.

On Friday, Matiang’i swept through Kisii and Nyamira counties in a series of rallies marking his ‘homecoming ceremony,’ exposing shifting political dynamics that could challenge both Ruto and Raila.

Kenyans are complaining about the economy, despite some solid economic achievements by Ruto’s administration. They include building affordable housing, creating jobs, subsidising fertiliser, and tackling the debt. Public sentiment remains largely downbeat. 

Ruto’s cooperation with former opposition icon and adversary Raila has divided ODM and many politicians and the public.  

Addressing an ecstatic rally at Gusii Stadium, Matiang’i announced he would resign from his World Bank assignment in the US and begin his 2027 presidential bid.

“I am ready to be President of Kenya,” Matiang’i declared as the crowd erupted in cheers.

“You have asked me to come and serve this country. Do you want me to leave that job and come back to serve you? I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country.”

The former ‘Mr Fix It’ acknowledged Kenya’s many challenges, saying that as he had already demonstrated with his track record in government, he could deliver — and he could deliver a better Kenya if elected President.

“As you know, I have no problem executing any job, whether at night or during the day —that won’t be a problem,” he said urging the Gusii to register as voters ahead of 2027.

“I want to ask you not to lose hope in our country. We are a country built on resilience. Let’s join hands, and when the time comes, we will fix and make our country better.”

A mammoth crowd that turned out to welcome Matiang’i forced organisers to move his planned address from Kisii Capital Roundabout to Gusii Stadium.

Supporters had filled Capital-Hospital Road and surrounding streets, bringing business in the busy town to a standstill as Matiang’i’s convoy arrived.

Presenting a major political dilemma for the two national leaders, Ruto and Raila, Matiang’i was accompanied by key political figures from the region, including nearly all MPs from Kisii and Nyamira counties.

Notably, Kisii Governor Simba Arati joined Matiang’i for his homecoming rally, signalling tough times ahead for Raila’s ODM party.

Arati urged Matiang’i to traverse the country, engage with other leaders and ensure the Gusii community forms the next administration.

“This crowd has not been paid even a cent to come here. The time has come for the Omogusii to take over leadership of this country,” Arati declared at Gusii Stadium.

“Do not be distracted, and don’t look back, my brother. I want to ask you in good faith: even as you go back to conclude your assignment, many detractors will come your way.”

Arati had hosted Matiang’i at his office in Kisii town before the two rode together to the Capital Roundabout and then to Gusii Stadium.

Arati, one of ODM’s top officials and the party’s deputy leader, has remained loyal to Raila for decades, dating back to his time as an MCA and later as Dagoretti North MP.

Known for his formidable mobilisation skills and bold political moves, Arati defeated veteran rivals to win the Kisii governorship in 2022.

His appearance at Matiang’i’s events signals a possible shift in allegiance and highlights the political dilemma he faces as Matiang’i’s growing influence sweeps across the Gusii region.

Previously, Arati has walked a political tightrope over which camp to back as the region undergoes major realignment ahead of 2027.

Notable Ruto loyalists were absent from the Matiang’i events. They included South Mugirango MP and National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, Nyaribari Masaba MP Zaheer Jhanda, and UDA national treasurer and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi.

In his whirlwind tour, Matiang’i declared he would reveal his 2027 political plans at the appropriate time, urging the Gusii community to remain united.

Speaking at a series of mini-rallies along the Kisii-Sotik Road, Matiang’i said he was first listening to the people before making final decisions.

He acknowledged that he had accepted the people’s mandate to engage with leaders nationwide, promising that his 2027 plans would 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 returning from the United States, amidst growing speculation about a presidential bid.

“The time will come, and I will sit down with you so that we can agree, as a people, on the way forward,” he told supporters.

MPs from the Gusii region closed ranks, declaring their support for Matiang’i in the 2027 general election — a significant political shift.

Matiang’i was accompanied by MPs including Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango, UDA), Gloria Orwoba (nominated, UDA), Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo (UPA), Cleve Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba, ODM), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu, ODM) and Innocent Obiri (Bobasi, PDP).

Others were Charles Onchoke (Bonchari, UPA), Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi (ODM), and senators Richard Onyonka (Kisii, ODM) and Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira, ODM).

There are signs a Matiang’i presidential bid could galvanise the nearly one million registered voters across Kisii and Nyamira. The Gusii community is projected to deliver more than 2.5 million votes both locally and in the diaspora — a bloc that could provide Matiang’i with a strong political springboard.

In the 2022 elections, Raila — long regarded as the kingpin of Gusii politics — struggled against the UDA wave, garnering 65.8 per cent (265,078 votes) of Kisii’s 637,111 registered voters, while Ruto secured 33.6 per cent (135,326 votes).

In Nyamira, Raila won 61.8 per cent (129,025 votes) of the 323,283 registered voters, with Ruto capturing 37.5 per cent (78,356 votes).

On Friday, lawmakers from across the political divide promised to rally behind Matiang’i in 2027, signalling a potential shake-up in regional support for both Kenya Kwanza and ODM.

Matiang’i is widely expected to contest the presidency, especially after recent talks with key opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Speaking in Keroka Friday, Matiang’i urged 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.

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo added, “We have given him the authority to go and consult with others and prepare for 2027.”