Unite behind Matiangi , opposition leaders urge Abagusii community

the-star.co.ke · Feb 26, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Ex-Interior CS Fred Matiang’i/FILEOpposition leaders have called on the Abagusii community to unite behind Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang'i and lock President William Ruto out of the region. The leaders made the appeal as they concluded a three-day tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties where they held series of consultative meetings and public engagements with residents and grassroots leaders. They included Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Eugine Wamalwa (DAP-K) and Peter Munya (PNU). Gachagua told the residents not allow outside forces to fix the region’s politics ahead of the 2027 elections. “It cannot be that Osoro (National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro) is imposed as the region's kingpin, do not allow outsiders to impose such leaders,” Gachagua said. “Back him (Matiang’i) so that other regions can also support him,” added Munya. Gachagua described Matiang’i as one of the region’s most experienced leaders and urged locals to speak with one voice to strengthen their bargaining power nationally. According to the opposition leaders, unity in the Gusii region would ensure the community remains influential in national politics. During the meetings, the leaders criticised the government over the rising cost of living and failing to deliver to the people of Kenya. “They have run down almost every sector even the free education we started with Kibaki,” Kalonzo said. The Wiper boss also promised that they will create a new Gucha County in the region saying it is deserved.“If we could get additional county, Gucha should be a county. We will correct the historical injustice,” the former vice president said. Local leaders who accompanied the delegation echoed the call for political unity, saying the time had come for the community to consolidate its support behind leaders capable of advancing its interests at the national level. They addressed rallies in Ogembo, Kenyenya, Nyamache, Nyacheki and Masimba areas. The opposition maintained that political differences should be resolved through dialogue and at the ballot, not through force. They vowed to continue holding rallies despite what they termed growing intimidation from the state. “We are on course, nobody should threaten you that you do not have the right to picket and to assemble,” Kalonzo said. “We are not asking this government any favour, we are just asking for the observance of law,” added Munya. The leaders also sustained their onslaught on President Ruto’s administration saying it has failed Kenyans and must be sent packing in the 2027 elections. “The country is united that William Ruto will serve one term. This time round there will be no stealing of votes,” Kalonzo said. INSTANT ANALYSIS The accusations come amid rising political tensions as early political alignments and campaigns begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election. Government allies, however, have previously denied claims of state interference, saying police only step in when there are security concerns