By The Weekly Vision Political Desk
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has extended overtures to supporters of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, seen as a deliberate move to position himself for a possible presidential bid.
Speaking in Homa Bay County, Matiang’i described Raila as a father figure who sought to unite the country through dialogue and consultation. “I know, and it’s good to say this here, Raila had a way of keeping people together. He had a way of consulting people, all of us, whether you were from Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu or Homa Bay,” Matiang’i said of the doyen of opposition politics. “He considered us his children and brought us together as a family. It is now time to pay tribute to him by remaining united, because that is what he wanted,” the former CS added, while referring to the famous handshake deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta following the disputed 2017 presidential election.
He added that he was privileged to have worked closely with the former Prime Minister. “I had the privilege of working closely with Raila after his handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta. Even after we left government, we continued consulting him on several issues,” he said.
On Sunday, 20th December, while speaking at the Milimani Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oyugis Town, Dr Matiang’i also called upon the six Azimio governors and senators from the region to remain united, noting that it would be shameful for those mentored by the peace-loving Baba to fall apart.
He observed that the veteran politician often reached out to opposing factions with wisdom and without discrimination. Raila was accorded a State funeral with full military honours and protocol on Sunday, 19th October.
Matiang’i has reportedly won the backing of the Jubilee Party and its leader, Uhuru Kenyatta, as he seeks to replace Ruto. However, he faces stiff competition from the United Opposition alliance comprising Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for Citizens Party), Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party–Kenya), and Justin Muturi (Democratic Party).
