A group of elders from Kisii County has come out strongly to defend former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, issuing a stern warning to ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The elders, led by former Kisii County Assembly Speaker David Kombo, made it clear that they would not tolerate any attempts to undermine Matiang’i’s bid for the country’s top seat.
Kombo, speaking on behalf of the elders, cautioned Raila against belittling Matiang’i, stating that the former CS has every right to seek the presidency.
The elders, who belong to Matiang’i’s clan, expressed full support for his candidacy, insisting that he has the leadership qualities needed to lead the country.
According to them, Raila must either support Matiang’i or refrain from commenting on his ambitions. “Raila is someone we respect, but if he has no intention of supporting one of our own, he should stop talking about Matiang’i,” Kombo said.
He emphasized that they would not allow anyone to mock Matiang’i’s plans.The elders’ reaction comes after Raila’s recent visit to Kisii, where he was asked if he would back Matiang’i in the 2027 presidential race.
In response, Raila said that Matiang’i could not win the presidency with votes from the Kisii community alone. This remark did not sit well with Matiang’i’s supporters, who interpreted it as dismissive and discouraging.
The elders believe that Raila’s statement was an attempt to downplay Matiang’i’s influence and discourage his supporters.They pointed to Matiang’i’s achievements while serving as a Cabinet Secretary in different ministries under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
They highlighted his tenure in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and ICT, arguing that he demonstrated strong leadership, discipline, and the ability to handle national matters effectively.
In their view, these qualities make him a strong contender for the presidency.The elders also criticized leaders from the Abagusii community who have publicly dismissed Matiang’i’s presidential aspirations in favor of the current administration.
They accused these leaders of failing to support one of their own and urged them to allow fair competition instead of working against Matiang’i. The elders insisted that every leader should be allowed to campaign without facing undue criticism or sabotage.
“Kenya is a democratic country, and everyone has the right to seek leadership. Let those against Matiang’i’s bid do so respectfully,” Kombo said.
They warned that any further attempts to belittle Matiang’i would be met with strong resistance from the Kisii community.
According to them, Matiang’i has already proven himself as a capable leader, and his political journey should not be dictated by external forces. They remain firm in their support and vowed to stand by him as he prepares for the 2027 elections.
