“We have won all
three by-elections in Nyamira – a clear confirmation that (Fred) Matiang’i
remains the undisputed Gusii kingpin.” This was the trending message posted on
Facebook and other social media platforms as soon as the announcement of the
mini-poll results.
The recent
by-elections in Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo and Nyansiongo – triggered loud celebrations
among supporters of Matiang’i exuberant supporters. Their win was framed as
proof of a rising Gusii political centre outside government.
It signalled a shift in the politics
of the region with their son leading
them to remove President
William Ruto – and ultimately occupying the House on the Hill.
Many others
saw it as a signal
that the community is drifting into opposition.
That reading is dangerous.
For generations,
the Abagusii have survived politically by refusing isolation. They have always
spread their bets—across parties, across levels of leadership, across
presidential candidates. This was not indecision. It was smart
politics. It came from
a community that is diverse, independent and entrepreneurial.
The ‘our son’
wave is not new. In 2002, Simeon Nyachae rode a similar tide, sweeping every
parliamentary seat in Gusii. Yet he still finished third in the presidential race.
The community
learned an important lesson: never lock yourself
into one camp, and never walk too far from government. When the Narc fallout
came, Gusii leaders moved swiftly back to the centre of power.
That instinct
protected us then. It must guide us now.
Unlike communities with large
numbers and entrenched political machines—the Kikuyu, Kalenjin and Luo – the Abagusii cannot survive
long stretches in opposition.
We do not have the luxury of a monolithic vote, a homegrown national party or
the numerical weight to dictate outcomes.
Our strength
has always been engagement, not isolation.
Today, some are pushing the
community toward a political corner, backed by vague promises from powerful
neighbours who suddenly
claim they will support a Gusii presidential bid. But what
bargaining power do we really have in that arrangement? What guarantees exist
beyond sentiment?
Hard truth: none.
Yes, we must
express our aspirations. Yes, we must demand our fair share of national
leadership. But abandoning government is a high-risk gamble with no safety net.
Others are fighting to get in. Why should we walk out?
Opposition is a legitimate role,
but only when you have the numbers, the ideology and the structure to withstand
the political and economic cold. The Abagusii
have none of these at
scale.
Nyachae understood this well.
His philosophy was simple: stay close to power, work with all sides and secure
benefits for the community through engagement, not defiance. That wisdom
remains relevant, especially as the country heads toward 2027, with all signs
pointing to Ruto securing a second term.
Walking blindly into the
Opposition now is walking into a cul-de-sac—a political dead end that will
shrink our influence, stall development and weaken future generations.
The Abagusii must stay engaged. Stay strategic. Stay at the table.
Because no community prospers
from political isolation. And certainly not us.
The writer is the former president of Football Kenya Federation
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