Chache South Member of Parliament, Anthony Kibagendi, has urged Kenyans to rally behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i in his bid for the presidency, asserting that the international community is ready to support him.
Speaking on a local radio station, Kibagendi revealed that they have encouraged the former CS, now working with the World Bank, to resign and focus on his presidential campaign ahead of the next General Election.
Kibagendi recalled that during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term, Matiang’i was often sent abroad to represent the president in foreign countries, a role he excelled at. “When Uhuru and then Deputy President William Ruto were campaigning, it was Matiang’i whom Uhuru sent to represent him abroad,” Kibagendi said, adding that the former CS is well-known and highly respected on the global stage.
The legislator also expressed confidence that the public is willing to elect Matiang’i as president, highlighting that the former CS is a suitable candidate to lead the country.
In a critical move, Kibagendi accused Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, who is working alongside President Ruto in the broad-based government, of failing to appoint ODM supporters to key government positions. He highlighted the efforts of ODM lawmakers from the Gusii community, particularly the party’s National Treasurer, Timothy Bosire, who had lobbied to be appointed as Cabinet Secretary but was unsuccessful.
The MP also pointed out that members of the Gusii community, such as Patrick Osero (Borabu), Obadiah Barongo (Bumachoge Chache), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), and Dr Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba), had been left out of key committees, including the Budget, Public Accounts, and Public Investment Committees, despite their determined efforts to secure positions.
Kibagendi further revealed that they had urged Raila to fight for the party to secure two Principal Secretary positions, one for Kisii and the other for Nyamira counties, but the request had yet to be fulfilled.
“We fought for Governor Simba Arati to be appointed as the party chairman. Three Deputy Party Leader positions were created, and he was appointed to one of them,” Kibagendi added.
ODM leaders from the Gusii community, according to the MP, have supported the party for many years, but now, they are reconsidering their support and could even leave the party if their concerns are not addressed.
Meanwhile, political activist Nyabuto Onyambu has called on political parties from the Gusii community to form a coalition before they officially field Dr Matiang’i for the presidency. Onyambu suggested that the Gusii parties should join forces with other communities to form a powerful alliance to support their chosen presidential candidate.
“The coalitions will have presidential candidates, but they will ultimately settle on a compromise candidate to battle it out with contenders from other coalitions,” Onyambu said.
