Newspapers on Tuesday, February 24, reported on important topical issues, including the Opposition’s readiness for the 2027 vote.
Source: UGC
Elsewhere, former Home Affairs Minister Fred Matiang’i was appointed as the spokesman for the Gusii community as the United Opposition stormed Kisii to seek support in court.
1. The Standard
The newspaper reported on the coronation of former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i as the king of the Gusii community and the opposition’s efforts to influence the Kisii region.
On Monday, February 23, the group carried out a strong campaign in the Gusii area, where former Minister of Internal Affairs Fred Matiang’i was announced as the spokesperson of the community.
Matiang’i seemed to strengthen support in an area that has historically supported the late ODM leader Raila Odingawhile placing himself in the position of the 2027 Opposition presidency.
He joined meetings in Bomet, Nyamira, and Kisii counties with the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
Recent weeks have seen reports of internal discord after Matiang’i called for a scientific process to choose a common presidential candidate, rejecting what he called a “council plan.”
Despite the rumours, the Opposition leaders insist that their system for choosing a candidate remains strong.
Kalonzo expressed his confidence in defeating President William Ruto, promising reforms and reversing unpopular policies.
Gachagua also dismissed concerns about division, insisting on unity and a single candidate for 2027.
The meetings, heralded as Matiang’i’s homecoming, culminated in his enthronement as the political king of Gusii.
A large crowd of people gathered across Kisii and Nyamira, while leaders like Eugene MalwaGeorge Natembeya, and Peter Munya also attending.
This was Matiang’i’s third major event since he returned from the United States, where he worked with the World Bank.
Unlike previous visits, Monday’s meeting was historic as he was officially appointed as Gusii’s spokesperson.
“We have witnessed that people love Matiang’i, but the leaders elected by the people oppose him as president. My only request is that you punish all the leaders who oppose our elected spokesperson,” said former Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri.
Present at the event were Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, MPs Joash Nyamoko, Steve Mogaka, and Women’s Representative Jerusha Momanyi.
After being approved by the Gusii Council of Elders, Matiang’i announced that he was ready to challenge Ruto if elected:
“We are ready to bring Ruto home in 2027 if these men gathered here decide that I can carry their flag.”
He explained that the country is in dire need of rescue.
Gachagua promised to protect unity, saying Ruto had alienated the community:
“We share the same desire to remove Ruto from office. That is the task before us, and it has made us determined to support whoever we finally choose as our flag bearer.”
Kalonzo reaffirmed his commitment to the Opposition’s mission to remove Ruto from power.
2. Daily Nation
The newspaper reserved an opportunity for Governor Kimani Wamatangi to appear before the Senate committee against the advice of the Council of Governors (CoG).
On Monday, February 23, Wamatangi defied his colleagues by honoring an invitation from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, despite a resolution by the Council of Governors (CoG) to suspend appearances until allegations of fraud are addressed.
Four members of the committee have been charged with harassment, intimidation, and fraud.
Before Wamatangi, Narok governor Patrick ole Ntutu and Julius Malombe of Kitui also appeared before the committee led by Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang’.
Wamatangi stressed that responsibility is personal, saying he must respond to Kiambu’s resources.
“The responsibility of calculating the resources allocated to Kiambu as a separate body rests with the governor as the chief executive officer of the county. My appearance before you is not by mistake but by intention, and we will come here again when I am called,” he said.
He added that he was elected by the people of Kiambu, not the CoG.
Kajwang criticized the governors who hide behind the council to avoid investigation, warning that the Senate leadership will not confront them if they continue to boycott.
Last week, six governors, incl Johnson (Nairobi), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), and Andrew Mwadime (Taita-Taveta), avoided their appeals.
“These are people full of indifference who do not want to explain the resources sent to their counties. We cannot continue to allocate funds to counties without responsibility,” Kajwang’ said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna added that governors cannot force Senate committee membership.
“If governors want to be part of the Senate to reconstitute the committee, then let them run for senatorial seats. Governors should know that there is no amount of running, hiding or beating the chest that will threaten the Senate. They must appear here,” he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi insisted that appearing before the committee is a requirement for the talks between the CoG and the Senate leadership scheduled for February 26, ignoring the committee’s boycott saying it cannot be confirmed.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, the Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate, confirmed that the Senate will not meet the CoG because it had breached the agreed terms.
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