Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto has embarked on a charm offensive to neutralize the rising star of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in the Gusii region which has unsettled the former, prompting to spend four days in the area to woo voters ahead of his re-election bid.
Matiang’i, who hails from the region, is eyeing the presidency under Jubilee party ticket, sponsored by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and has steadily drawn support that was previously shared by Ruto and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
The Head of State is scheduled to hold meetings in Kisii and Nyamira counties from April 12 to April 15 in what is described as a development-focused tour to inspect ongoing projects and launch new programs.
However, beneath the official itinerary lies a deeper political contest: a struggle for influence over the Gusii vote bloc, which could play a decisive role in the 2027 presidential race.
For years, Kisii and Nyamira have been viewed as a swing region—politically fluid, fiercely independent, and able to shift allegiance based on national and local dynamics.
Vocal Kisii Senator and Matiang’i’s diehard supporter Richard Onyonka stated that Ruto’s visit is unlikely to yield results, arguing that the President has already lost the grim in the region due to unmet promises and perceived disrespect toward local leaders.
“We are not worried about his tour because he will not achieve any support. The region had long dumped him and chosen Matiang’i after unfulfilled promises and open disrespect to their leaders,” Onyonka pointed out.
Onyonka, a vocal critic of the President’s administration, added that the Gusii region is now firmly focused on the 2027 presidential race and will not be swayed from its political direction.
Traditionally aligned with opposition politics, particularly under the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, the region is now undergoing a significant realignment following his death on October 15th last year.
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Into the vacuum has stepped Dr Matiang’i, whose growing profile has quickly positioned him as the most influential political figure in the region and even some parts of the country especially by younger generation tagged GenZs
With backing from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Matiang’i has consolidated support among local leaders and grassroots networks, cementing his status as the de facto political kingpin in Gusii.
Recent developments suggest that President Ruto’s influence in the region is weakening, making his upcoming tour not just routine governance but a strategic effort to regain lost political ground
Matiang’i was recently crowned as the Gusii community spokesman and continues to attract strong support as he positions himself for the 2027 presidential race, with his allies demanding greater political recognition