Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is qualified to lead Kenya, citing his impressive track record in public service. Speaking on Egesa FM, a vernacular station broadcasting in Ekegusii, Gachagua praised Matiang’i’s leadership in the ministries of Interior, Education, and ICT under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
“Matiang’i did a good job when he was the Security Minister and when he served in the Education and ICT dockets. He is qualified, competent, and suitable to be the President of Kenya,” Gachagua stated.
However, Gachagua emphasized that Matiang’i’s chances at the presidency hinge on strong backing from his home region. He urged the Gusii community to unite behind Matiang’i, arguing that national support would only follow a firm regional endorsement.
“I can’t go to Mount Kenya and ask my people to support Matiang’i when he has no support from home. For him to have a chance, he must first demonstrate that he has the support of the entire Omogusii community,” Gachagua said.
He challenged the region to deliver at least 2.5 million votes—including from the diaspora—to position Matiang’i as a formidable candidate in opposition negotiations. According to Gachagua, this voting bloc would be influential enough to secure a key position such as President, Deputy President, or Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Gachagua also expressed concern over divisions among Gusii leaders, naming MPs Sylvanus Osoro and Japheth Nyakundi as critics of Matiang’i. He called on elders to unify the region by publicly supporting the former CS and silencing internal dissent.
“Elders should come out and rebuke these young leaders who are attacking Matiang’i, so that we can be convinced that the community is truly behind him,” he said.
Gachagua concluded by stating that the opposition would eventually field a single candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027, emphasizing unity and strategic planning within the coalition.
