Editor's Review

Senator Onyonka implied that Matiang'i was open to a political partnership with President Ruto.

Kisii senator Richard Onyonka has hinted at a possibility of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i working with President William Ruto.

The lawmaker has styled himself as Matiang'i's emissary and has used every forum to advocate for a Matiang'i presidency.

Speaking on Saturday, March 29, Onyonka insisted that the Gusii community had settled on Matiang'i as their presidential candidate, and plans were underway to form a political party that would unite the community.

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"We have made a conscious and deliberate decision to rally behind Fred Matiang'i as our leader, his past record in public service as the guiding principle. It is not an issue of politics; it is an issue of governance and development. Leadership is no longer an issue of lip service but results," he said.
Kisii senator Richard Onyonka.

The senator, however, stated that Matiang'i was open to working with other leaders who share in his vision for the country.

He said the former CS would work with the president if the latter ups his game.

"We have decided that as a community and as Kenyans, we are also going to set up our own political party, we are going to produce our own candidate who will negotiate with the president and all the other people who are running for political office in this country. And that candidate is none other than Fred Matiang'i. We will work with the president; we will support him. If he does very well from now until 2026, we will negotiate with him," Onyonka said.

Even as Onyonka purports to represent Matiang'i, the former CS has yet to come out to declare his bid.

Matiang'i has kept a low profile for a long time, especially after he was roughed up by state operatives in early 2023.

He is said to have relocated to the United States, where he has set up base to date.

Matiang'i was first seen in the Kenyan public on December 19, 2024, interacting with members of the public in Kitui County.

This marked his first public appearance following reports that he might be contesting for the presidency in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Jubilee Party led by former president Uhuru Kenyatta announced settling on Matiang'i as their candidate.