Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is qualified to lead Kenya, citing his strong record in public service across the Ministries of Interior, Education, and ICT. Speaking to the Gusii community via Egesa FM, Gachagua emphasized that Matiang’i has the competence to serve as President.
Gachagua, however, challenged the Gusii community to unite behind Matiang’i, warning that without solid support from his home region, it would be difficult to make a strong case for national leadership. He urged the community to mobilize at least 2.5 million votes from Kisii, Nyamira, and the diaspora to elevate Matiang’i’s bargaining power within the opposition coalition.
He noted that while Matiang’i’s credentials are impressive, internal divisions within the Gusii leadership undermine his prospects. Gachagua called on local leaders and elders to silence dissenters and rally collectively behind Matiang’i, citing public opposition from leaders like Kisii Governor Simba Arati, MPs Sylvanus Osoro, and Japheth Nyakundi.
He stressed that the opposition must eventually settle on one presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto and promised that the final decision would be guided by experts and fairness in power-sharing negotiations.
