Former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi rejected Matiang’i’s presidential bid, questioning his ability to unite people. Reflecting on Matiang’i’s time as Interior Minister, Momanyi argued that he had failed to unify the Gusii community and, by extension, could not be trusted to bring the nation together. ‘Matiang’i was divisive during his tenure as CS, so how can we expect him to unite the nation as President?” Momanyi remarked. “He isn’t even the de facto leader of our community’
Political cracks and divisions have emerged among elected leaders and professionals from the Gusii region over who the community should rally behind for the presidency in 2027 between former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i or retired Chief Justice David Maraga.
A faction of elected leaders, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Nakuru Town West MP Samwel Arama, and Nairobi-based advocate Danstan Omari, are vocally supporting Matiang’i as the community’s preferred candidate. While Matiang’i has not officially declared his intention, he has hinted to close associates about his interest in the top seat.
In contrast, Maraga has not shown any inclination toward entering politics, though his name is still being mentioned within the region. Despite this, a rival faction led by former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi and advocate Denis Matara Abincha strongly opposes Matiang’i’s candidacy, advocating for Maraga instead.
The duo argues that Maraga is more widely popular across the country and would garner more votes than Matiang’i, whom they have labeled a “dictator.” Abincha criticized Matiang’i for allegedly exhibiting similar authoritarian traits as President William Ruto, whom he accused of disregarding the Constitution.
“When the court ordered that Miguna Miguna should not be extradited, Matiang’i openly defied those orders and sent him back to Canada,” Abincha said. “This is the same person who now wants to be President.”
Abincha emphasized that Maraga, having demonstrated integrity, is the only person capable of rescuing the country from its political and economic challenges. “We are backing Maraga, not Matiang’i, for the presidency,” he declared.
Momanyi, in a similar vein, dismissed Matiang’i’s bid, suggesting that he lacks the capacity to unite people. Reflecting on Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior Minister, he argued that he failed to bring the community together and, by extension, could not be trusted to unite the nation.
“Matiang’i was divisive during his time as CS, so how can we expect him to unite the nation as President?” Momanyi said. “He isn’t even the de facto leader of our community.”
On the other hand, Onyonka and Arama maintain that the Gusii community has already settled on Matiang’i as their presidential candidate for 2027. Onyonka reaffirmed, “The Kisii community is clear—we are backing Matiang’i for President.”
Arama warned that those opposing Matiang’i’s candidacy risk political rejection in the upcoming elections. “The Matiang’i presidential wave is too powerful in Gusii, and those opposed to it will be swept aside,” Arama asserted.
Ongoing disagreements over the presidential candidate come as former Cabinet Minister Prof. Sam Ongeri also voiced support for Matiang’i, urging community members not to be manipulated by external forces in political gamesmanship.
“Matiang’i is the leader we need,” Ongeri said. “We must not allow ourselves to be used in cheap political schemes.” As the 2027 election approaches, it remains to be seen which side of this deepening divide the Gusii community will ultimately choose.
