By Anderson Ojwang
The Gusii Community could possibly be staring at a political catch that may split the community right in the middle ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Two prominent sons from the community and interesting from sloppy Hills of Nyamira county, Dr Fred Okengo Matiangi and Retired Chief Justice David Maraga have all declared intent to become the sixth president of Kenya.
Already, the declaration has ignited excitement and political reorganization in the region akin to the 2002 presidential election when former Minister Simeon Nyachae contested for presidency.
Nyachae’s party Ford P, became the party of the region and all the elected seats went to the party while Nyachae performed dismally in the elections and came poor third behind Mwai Kibaki of Narc and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kanu.
The Nyachae’s moment, was euphoric in Gusii community but died after he lost the election with the community tilting to Raila’s Odinga led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), occupying the vacuum and being the prime beneficiary.
Currently, Gusii council of Elders and a section of top politicians from the region have thrown their support behind Matiangi while Maraga hopes to woo the Genz votes to his side.
In a recent press address, the Elders they said “People say a prophet is not accepted at home.
But we want to declare that Our prophet is Dr Matiangi and he is supported at home.
That is what we are here to declare publicly.
As the community our presidential candidate is Dr Matiangi,” they said.
Similarly, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and senator Richard Onyonka during Matiangi’s recent tour of the area said “We have given out Matiangi to go out and meet with all the presidential candidates and have a discussion.
We as Gusii community, we are ready to seek the presidency of this country.
The one, person we have chosen is Dr Fred Matiangi.”
But Maraga, who seems to get least support from the community hopes to build from his career in the judiciary and hopes to ride on the famous 2017 supreme Court ruling that nullified elections of President Uhuru Kenyatta following successful appeal by Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Matiangi has the support of Uhuru and Jubilee party which consider him as the flag bearer in the 2027 general.
Matiangi recently resigned from World Bank to possible run for presidency in 2027 elections.
Both will have to first settle for the battle of Nyamira and then the larger Gussii community before seeking votes from other part of the country.
Maraga is hoping to endear himself to the new vote block, the Genz and yesterday joined them during the first anniversary protest in Nairobi.
Yesterday, during the first Genz anniversary Maraga joined the protest and for the first time had a taste of tear gas and sought refuge in a church premise.
“Yes, I am the Gen Z Presidential candidate. I have children, and many people have children. We must mentor young people so that they take over from us.
After discussion with friends and after serious reflection, I thought it was time we thought about the leadership of this country.
We cannot let some people take our country to doomsday literally,” he stated.
“As a result of that reflection, I have made up my mind that I will run for the presidency of this country in 2027,” he said during a recent TV interview.
Maraga cites his exemplary track record at the helm of the judiciary., drawing from his tenure and record, exuding confidence in his ability to steer the country toward a just and accountable future.
“I challenge each one of you to be champions of justice and accountability. Stand fearless against a stubborn system that lures young minds into service for political cartels.
As an older Kenyan, I have served this country and made my contribution to change.
Like every parent, I worry about the future for our children, grandchildren, and the legacy we leave behind.
It is because of that confidence that one can make a decision on whether or not they can serve.
I have served before in government; I was the head of one arm of government.
There is no magic about being the head of another arm of government,” he said.
Arati recently said” Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has formally declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027, signaling a political comeback anchored on unity, service, and experience.
Matiangi when he spoke in Gusii stadium said “I am ready to work with like-minded leaders to confront the challenges facing the country.
For ten years, I worked tirelessly for this country. I am known to be a good worker, and if given the chance, I am ready to work for Kenyans.”
Raila poured cold water in Matiangi presidential bid saying “You cannot be elected president of Kenya on the basis of Kisii votes alone.
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said ”For Matiangi to be the President, he must be rallied by his people.
There is no way I am going to support him without the backing and numbers of his people.
He must present that on the table.”
But Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said 70 years down the line and Kenyans now agree that it is Fred Matiang’i for President: Jeremiah Kioni
He warned the locals to be wary of leaders allegedly working to sow division in the Gusii region ahead of the upcoming polls.
“I’ve heard people coming here preaching unity, but they are the ones spreading disunity because they’ve been sent here to divide the community.
They may claim Matiang’i is facing charges, but whatever number they give him, that’s their problem. Even if they put him in jail, we will still choose him,” Kioni said.
Dr Matiang’i, has hired the Montreal-based Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson for $250,000 (Sh32.5 million) to garner international support. So far, he has made a down payment of $65,000 to kick-start the process.
According to documents filed by Dickens & Madson with the United States Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Dr Matiang’i hired the company on 13 July 2024.
EDITED BY: HOPE BARBRA
