
President William Ruto has launched a calculated strategy in the Gusii region to counter the mounting influence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, whose growing appeal among his community is increasingly seen as a political threat.
In a series of coordinated rallies and localized harambees, Ruto has dispatched state professionals and loyal officials to actively engage constituents. These events are being held across Kisii and Nyamira counties, driven by national appointees and regional leaders aligned with the ruling coalition—an orchestrated move to neutralize the momentum building behind Matiang’i.
This political maneuver comes as Matiang’i enjoys broad grassroots support. Recent gatherings saw masses of locals rallying around the former administrator, who continues to hint at a possible 2027 presidential campaign. Rust-leaning lawmakers have responded with equal fervor, organizing fundraising drives and forging bonds with key community leaders to shore up loyalty.
The unfolding contest in Gusii reflects a deeper political conflict: at once a community gathering force and a symbol of internal dissent, Matiang’i now stands as the voice for a region feeling marginalized by both top-tier political camps. In response, Ruto’s administration has deployed its formidable network of appointees to shore up control by reinforcing development promises and maintaining order.
The power clash in Gusii is more than regional—it symbolizes the broader jockeying for position that is reshaping Kenya’s political map. With stakes high and alliances fluid, Gusii’s outcome could set the tone for Kenya’s next electoral chapter.