NAIROBI, Kenya- Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has reiterated his full support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, saying the time has come for the Gusii community to unite behind one of their own for national leadership.
In a statement on his social media platforms, Senator Onyonka said all Kenyans, regardless of past political affiliations, are welcome to support Dr Matiang’i’s potential presidential bid, adding that inclusion must take precedence over political grudges.
“We have decided that anybody who wants to come and support our candidate, Dr Fred Matiang’i, is free to do so,” he declared.
“My conviction is that politics of inclusion is much better than exclusion.”
We have decided that anybody who wants to come and support our candidate, Dr Fred Matiang’i is free to do so. My conviction is that politics of inclusion is much better than exclusion.Back home, we are local political competitors. Nationally, we must join hands. Those who are
Dr Matiang’i, a respected technocrat and former powerful CS in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, is yet to officially announce his bid for the presidency, but political noise around his name continues to grow, particularly in his Kisii backyard.
Senator Onyonka emphasized that while there may be internal political competition within the Gusii region, it must not stand in the way of a united national front.
“Back home, we are local political competitors. Nationally, we must join hands,” he said.
“Those who are against our candidate are also free to disagree with us—but with decorum.”
The Senator acknowledged his differences with Kisii Governor Simba Arati, but said personal issues should not cloud the bigger picture—supporting a son of the soil, Dr Matiang’i, to ascend to higher office.
“I have disagreed with my governor, Simba Arati, in principle on many issues. But I can’t stop him from supporting his choice for the presidency. It is within his humanitarian and democratic rights.”
He cautioned against vendetta-driven politics, saying his refusal to support Governor Arati’s re-election should not be misinterpreted as hostility toward anyone supporting Dr Matiang’i.
“If somebody hates Simba and therefore thinks that I should hate him also—NO. Let him support our candidate if he chooses. When elections come, we will all run for seats open to us. I see no contradiction,” he stated.
Still, Onyonka was clear that he has politically parted ways with Arati.
“It is only a fool who keeps repeating himself, but let me do it again: I have disagreed with Governor Simba. I cannot support him as governor again. I moved on; we moved on. So I hope many here have also moved on.”
As political realignments begin to take shape, Senator Onyonka urged leaders from the Gusii region and beyond to rally behind Matiang’i, whom he described as a capable, visionary leader whose time has come.
“The Gusii people—the voters—will determine our fate as politicians, not Dr Matiang’i,” he said. “Let’s walk this journey together, with respect, unity, and purpose.”
