Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to secure at least 2.5 million votes to become a formidable contender within the opposition alliance.
In a wide-ranging interview with Egesa FM, a vernacular radio station broadcasting in the Ekegusii dialect, Gachagua said Matiang’i must also consolidate political support in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
He argued that just as he commands influence as the political kingpin of Mt. Kenya, Matiang’i must rally the Gusii community and secure the backing of the region’s majority of politicians.
Gachagua warned that any visible opposition to Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions from within the Gusii region would portray the community as fragmented and “not ready to seek the presidency.”
He pointed to his strong support base in Mt. Kenya, which earned him the region’s spokesperson status, as an example that Matiang’i should emulate.
Gachagua acknowledged that while Matiang’i received a heroic welcome during his homecoming in the Gusii region on May 2, 2025, there are still critical gaps the community must address to remain competitive in the 2027 presidential race.
“Fred Matiang’i seems qualified, robust, very active, and tough; he has the qualities of a president. But does he have the necessary support from home? Because if we’re to add our support, he must first demonstrate unity at home. If Matiang’i doesn’t rally the Kisii behind him, he won’t stand a chance,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President emphasised that Matiang’i must ensure that the estimated 2.5 million votes from Gusii counties and the diaspora are not lost to rival presidential candidates.
“Time has come for the Omogusii community to vote as a bloc and avoid splitting their votes if they want to secure Matiang’i a position as President, Deputy President, or Prime Cabinet Secretary,” he said.
“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 also urged Gusii elders to speak up in defence of Matiang’i and discourage local politicians from antagonising or attacking the former CS.
He also asked the Gusii community to unite as they did during the time of former Minister Simon Nyachae, when no one would dare touch or insult him without facing the full wrath of the community.
“What I’m looking for is evidence that the Gusii community has accepted Matiang’i as its leader. We don’t want to see some leaders insulting him while community elders remain silent,” Gachagua said.
“Elders should come out and rebuke these young leaders who are attacking Matiang’i so that we can be convinced the community is truly behind him.”
He contrasted this with Mt. Kenya, where he said elders promptly step in to defend their political figureheads from internal attacks.
“In Mt. Kenya, they cannot insult me while within the region. They may try it outside, but when they return, they are reminded to toe the line,” he said.
“People like Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Chris Obure, and Sam Ongeri are elders who should tell these young people off.”
Gachagua cited a recent instance where Kisii Governor Simba Arati advised Matiang’i to join ODM to improve his presidential prospects.
Arati had earlier received Matiang’i during his Gusii region homecoming before making remarks that appeared to contradict his allegiance.
“Young people cannot insult a community leader while the elders remain quiet,” Gachagua concluded.
