A week after former Chief Justice David Maraga acknowledged Gen-Z appeals for him to run against William Ruto in the 2027 presidential elections, a deep divide has split leaders and professionals from Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Two rival factions have emerged. One supports former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, backed by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, and a Nairobi-based professional group led by lawyer Damson Omari. The other group, championing Maraga, is led by former Borabu MP Fred Momanyi and advocate Denis Matara.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and several MPs aligned with him and the ODM Party have opted for neutrality in the debate over the region’s 2027 candidate.
Maraga’s supporters argue he has wider national appeal and stronger vote-winning potential, buoyed by Gen-Z enthusiasm. Matiang’i, however, is seen as retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pick, with his backers citing potential financial support from the Kenyatta family—reminiscent of the hundreds of millions funneled to Raila Odinga’s past campaigns.
Critics of Maraga claim his Gen-Z base is politically disengaged and unlikely to vote, predicting they’ll revert to tribal loyalties and favor a candidate endorsed by ethnic leaders. They also question his financial clout, dismissing his advocates as mostly jobless youth unable to fund a campaign. Matiang’i’s camp counters that Uhuru’s backing ensures a well-resourced bid.
The rift has sparked concern among political analysts, who warn that a split Kisii vote between Matiang’i and Maraga could hand an advantage to Ruto, Kalonzo Musyoka, or other contenders. Fueling the divide further, Kisii County Elders have formally endorsed Matiang’i for 2027, deepening regional tensions.
