Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on Kenyans to maintain hope in the face of the country’s mounting challenges and to play their part by registering and turning out to vote in the next general election.
Speaking on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Kisii County during the start of his consultative tour of the larger Gusii region, Matiang’i addressed a jubilant crowd, urging unity, patience, and civic responsibility as the nation grapples with economic and social strain.
“I want to ask you, my fellow citizens, let us not lose hope. Let us not give up on our country. We must hold on to faith. Kenya is a country built on resilience,” Matiang’i said, his voice at times barely rising above the cheers from the animated crowd.
He emphasised that the difficulties Kenyans are facing—ranging from economic pressures to governance frustrations—would eventually pass, provided the people remain united and continue to believe in democratic processes.
He stressed that standing united will be key to making a clear and confident choice of leaders come 2027, adding that when the moment is right, divine guidance will help them steer the country out of its current troubles.
“All these problems we are facing today will come to an end. We must hold on together as one. And when that time comes, we shall cross that bridge together. God will help us fix this situation,” he assured the crowd, drawing applause and chants of support.
Matiang’i expressed hope that Kenyans had taken his message of unity to heart and went on to emphasise that casting their votes remained one of the most powerful tools at their disposal to help solve the nation’s pressing challenges.
“We have agreed, all of us, to walk this journey together. Let us stand united. Let us move forward hand in hand and, most importantly, let us ensure we register to vote and actually cast our votes,” he added.
Warm welcome
The former interior cabinet secretary began his consultative tour with a rousing welcome in which thousands of his supporters thronged the streets to listen to the leader.
In his first major public address since leaving office in 2022, Matiang’i was flanked by regional leaders, including Kisii governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart, Governor Amos Nyaribo, who hails from the former CS’s home turf.
Matiang’i, who expressed his interest in transforming the country in 2027 in case he wins the presidency, was also backed by the local leaders and residents in the region, who promised to support his candidature.
During the consultative tour of the region, Matiang’i was accompanied by senators Richard Onyonka, Okong’o Omogeni and Gloria Orwoba.
The former no-nonsense cabinet secretary was also accompanied to the public meetings by the region’s MPs, among them Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and former leaders, including former Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i.
Strategy meeting
The rallies come just shortly after Matiang’i met key opposition figures, including People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is due to unveil his political party.
While Matiang’i’s name has prominently featured as one of the most promising front-runners in the opposition to lead the united front of opposition leaders against President William Ruto in 2027, Gachagua maintains that the candidate they will settle on will be mutually agreed upon.
“I will be vying for the presidency—so are Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa. However, in the end, we shall sit down, talk and agree to back one candidate. Even if it’s not me, I will support whoever we settle on,” Gachagua indicated.
While the Jubilee Party has endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential flag-bearer for the 2027 general election, the former cabinet secretary is yet to publicly declare his intention for the office on the hill.
