MATIANG'I'S TRIUMPHANT ENTRY

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i made an enigmatic political debut rally in his Gussi backyard on Friday, 2, May, attracting myriad of supporters.

Mammoths of crowd turned out to welcome their prodigal son who had just returned to the country on 17, April, following being endorsed for presidency by the Jubilee party, led by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Capital - Hospital Road and the Kisii Capital Roundabout, which was supposed to be the address site was filled to the brim forcing him to shift the venue to the Gusii Stadium.

Business came to a standstill as Matiang'i's convoy snaked through.

He orchestrated a series of mini -rallies along the Kisii - Sotik Road, where he had an opportunity to express his desire in running for presidency , but after consultation with other leaders.

“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 said.

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

In his Keroka stop, Matiang’i expressed his passion for the region, asking them to unite moving forward .

“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.

Ironically, what was dubbed as the 'Matiang'i effect ' or ' Matiang'i the Sixth ' pulled leaders from both sides of the political divide.

His remarks came as MPs from the Gusii region closed ranks on May 2, declaring their support for him ahead of the 2027 elections.

Among them was, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo , who confirmed their desire in having Matiang'i run for presidency come 2027, “We have given him the authority to go and consult with others and prepare for 2027.”

North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, who is allied to President Ruto's UDA, also followed suit; "As a community, we have decided that Matiang’i will bring us together because, for a long time, we have been mocked by others."

Former Prime minister, Raila Odinga's side was also influenced after Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo (ODM) showed up asking for the region to rally behind the ex- Minister.

“Here is the man you asked us to bring forward for you — please, let’s support him because he has demonstrated a solid track record,” he said commending Matiang'i's performance as a minister in Uhuru Kenyatta's cabinet.

Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi from ODM ,Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, UDA-nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, and former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi also joined the rally, passing the same massage to the locals.

Kisii Governor and ODM deputy party leader, Simba Arati also confirmed their support for Matiang'i allowing them to use the Gussi Stadium, after a plea from Matiang'i.