Wamuzi News Ke
President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have suffered a massive setback in the Gusii region. A powerful wave of defections has swept through Nyamira and Kisii counties, as key elected leaders dramatically ditched both UDA and ODM to rally behind former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i — now making a bold and unexpected move for the 2027 presidency.
Matiang’i, who re-emerged with force on Friday, stormed bustling towns and marketplaces in Gusii, boldly declaring his bid to succeed Ruto.
Among the political heavyweights now backing Matiang’i are MPs Anthony Kibagendi, Obadiah Barongo, Clive Gisairo, and Patrick Osero, along with influential Senators Richard Onyonka and Okongo Omogeni. Even Kisii Governor Simba Arati and over 30 ODM MCAs have turned their backs on Raila.
In a shocking twist, UDA’s only MP in Nyamira, Joash Nyamoko, and Senator Gloria Orwoba have joined the exodus, calling on supporters to abandon Ruto’s administration and throw their weight behind Matiang’i’s fresh political front.
Adding fuel to the fire, other prominent leaders from various parties — including Governor Amos Nyaribo (UPA), MPs Charles Onchoke (Bonchari, UPA) and Innocent Obiri (Bobasi, Wiper) — have defected and are now riding the Matiang’i wave.
“Enough is enough!” thundered Senator Onyonka. “The Gusii community is tired of being used and dumped by both Ruto and Raila. This time, we’re backing our own!”
The mood on the ground is defiant, with fiery speeches accusing both UDA and ODM of neglect, marginalization, and broken promises. The defectors say the Kisii community has been economically and politically shortchanged — and they’re ready to change the narrative.
MPs Kibagendi and Gisairo didn’t hold back either, urging the Abagusii people to unite behind Matiang’i, branding any dissenters as enemies of progress and betrayers of the community’s future.
Matiang’i’s movement is also drawing in influential names from across Kenya’s political spectrum, including Wiper Vice Chair Victor Swanya and Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama (Jubilee). Swanya has even called on Kalonzo Musyoka to shelf his ambitions and back Matiang’i.
But not everyone is cheering.
In a counteroffensive, Education CS Julius Ogamba and MPs Steve Mogaka, Japheth Nyakundi, and Jerusha Momanyi are sounding the alarm, warning the community against what they’re calling “a reckless political gamble.”
“Don’t be fooled,” Ogamba cautioned during a development event in West Mugirango. “Overthrowing a sitting president is no child’s play. Let’s not jeopardize our future chasing political mirages.”
Mogaka doubled down, distancing himself from Matiang’i and stressing his loyalty lies with serving his constituents, not political revolutions. Momanyi, once close to Matiang’i, also flipped the script, urging the community not to fall into “a rudderless opposition trap.”
As political tension thickens in Gusii land, one thing is clear: the battle for 2027 has begun — and it’s already tearing alliances apart.
🔴 Stay tuned to Wamuzi News Ke for more breaking developments from this fast-unfolding political storm.
