Matiang’i begins Gusii tour amid 2027 presidential speculation

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is set to launch what appears to be the beginning of a presidential campaign today, following recent engagements with opposition figures.

Marking his first major public appearance this year, Matiang’i is expected to rally support from the Gusii community as he sets his political agenda.

According to the Team Matiang’i Secretariat, he will embark on a tour across the Gusii region starting today.

He will be accompanied by key leaders from the area, including Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Senators Richard Onyonka and Okong’o Mogeni, as well as several Members of Parliament and local ward representatives.

The tour will feature public engagements and official visits to the governors of the two counties.

The itinerary includes stops in Kijauri, Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii Town, Chepilat, Kemera, Kebirigo, Ekerenyo, and Nyamira, with the first event scheduled to kick off at 9 am in Chepilat, near the Nyamira-Bomet border.

Supporters from both within the Gusii community and beyond are expected to join the tour.

Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama noted that the event could offer Matiang’i a chance to publicly affirm whether he intends to run for the presidency in 2027.

Chairman Gisesa Nyambega confirmed that preparations were in full swing to receive Dr. Matiang’i during his regional tour.

Meanwhile, former Cabinet Minister Prof. Sam Ongeri has urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to throw his weight behind Matiang’i’s potential presidential bid.

"For years, we’ve backed Raila’s quest for the presidency. Now, we believe it’s time for him to return the favor by supporting Matiang’i, who we see as capable of steering the country out of the economic and political turmoil caused by President William Ruto’s administration," Ongeri said.

Earlier in the week, Matiang’i held closed-door talks with prominent opposition leaders as part of early moves to form a strategic alliance ahead of 2027.