NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a potential candidate for the 2027 presidential race, while emphasizing the crucial need for backing from his home community, the Gusii.
Speaking during an interview with Egesa FM, a local radio station broadcasting in the Ekegusii vernacular, Gachagua lauded Matiang’i’s distinguished public service record, citing his leadership roles in the Interior, Education, and ICT ministries under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Gachagua called Matiang’i a “qualified, competent, and suitable” candidate for the presidency, citing his track record in various high-level government positions.
“Matiang’i did a great job as the Security Minister, and his service in both Education and ICT speaks for itself,” Gachagua said. “He is qualified to lead this country.”
Matiang’i Needs Gusii Unity to Secure Presidential Ticket
However, Gachagua added that Matiang’i’s presidential aspirations could falter if he doesn’t secure strong support from the Gusii community.
While emphasizing Matiang’i’s credentials, the former deputy president urged the Gusii to rally behind their own to make his candidacy viable on the national stage.
“For Matiang’i to have a real shot at the presidency, he must first demonstrate that he has the backing of the entire Omogusii community. I can’t go to Mount Kenya and ask my people to support him if he doesn’t have support from home,” Gachagua stated.
To be a competitive contender in the opposition alliance’s primary, Gachagua stressed that Matiang’i must consolidate at least 2.5 million votes from Kisii and Nyamira counties, including support from local and diaspora populations.
He also urged the Gusii community to vote as a bloc, warning that splitting the vote could undermine Matiang’i’s chances.
“When you look at the 2.5 million votes, that’s a good number—enough to sit at the table and tell your colleagues, ‘I’m a strong candidate,’” Gachagua said, highlighting the power of a unified vote in negotiations for a presidential ticket.
Despite Gachagua’s endorsement, he cautioned that Matiang’i’s path to national support is complicated by divisions within the Gusii leadership.
Some local leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati and MPs Sylvanus Osoro and Japheth Nyakundi, have publicly expressed opposition to Matiang’i’s political rise, with Arati suggesting that Matiang’i should join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to improve his chances.
Gachagua criticized such divisions, urging Gusii elders to step in and publicly rebuke leaders who undermine Matiang’i’s candidacy.
“Elders should come out and speak for Matiang’i, so we can be convinced that the community is truly behind him,” he said.
Gachagua also emphasized that unity within the opposition coalition would be critical to challenging President William Ruto’s administration.
He reiterated the importance of a single, strong opposition candidate, with the coalition working selflessly to craft a leadership structure that could include the roles of President, Deputy President, and Prime Cabinet Secretary.
“At the right time, we shall bring in experts to help us craft a formula for leadership,” Gachagua said. “The opposition must present a united front, so that we can form a brand-new government.”
While Gachagua has made his support for Matiang’i clear, the question remains whether the Gusii community will follow suit and unite behind one of their own in the upcoming race.
