Arati to Matiang'i: Now move across entire country

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i accompanied by Governor Simba Arati, acknowledges greetings from supporters as his convoy snaked through Kisii town on Friday, May 2, 2025. /HANDOUT

Kisii Governor Simba Arati has advised former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i to now embark on a nationwide tour to popularise his presidential bid after he was overwhelmingly welcomed back home on Friday.

Matiangi received a rousing welcome during his inaugural political rally since his return to the country from the US, where he announced that he will be challenging President William Ruto during the 2027 general election.

The rally was attended by a crowd, prompting the former CS to shift base from the Kisii Capital Roundabout to Gusii Stadium.

Supporters virtually filled Capital-Hospital Road and the surrounding streets, bringing business in the busy town to a standstill as Matiang’i’s convoy snaked through.

"Hon Matiang'i had come home today to see the people at home. Hon Matiang'i, these people have not been paid even a cent to be here," Arati said.

"I beseech you my brother Fred Matiangi, we want to tell you to move (out of Gusii), visit Nyanza, Rift Valley, Coast, Northeastern, Nairobi and make sure you speak with all leaders of our country in a bid to ensure we also sit at the table of national leadership," he added.

Matiangi's entry into the presidential race has sparked a frenzy amongst the political class and ignited jitters among a section of the ruling elite, as the move is seen as one that will further complicate things for the Ruto-Raila matrix.

The President and the ODM leader signed a working pact in March, one that is widely seen by observers as aimed at helping Ruto win reelection in 2027.

However, Matiang'i's focus on consolidating the crucial vote bloc, combined with concerted efforts by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to wrestle Mt Kenya support from Ruto now presents a new challenge to the two.

In his speech, Matiang'i asked Kenyans to exercise resilience in the face of the myriad of challenges facing the country, saying there was still hope for better days ahead.

"I want to ask you, my fellow citizens, please let us not lose hope in our country. We are a country that is built on resilience...let us unite and when the day comes, with God's help, we will fix the issues for the betterment of our country," he said.

Matiangi urged Kisii residents to ensure they register as voters ahead of the elections.

A number of leaders commended him for the rousing welcome he received at home with Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, simply saying, "Nice".

"Hongera Fred Matiang'i! Hongera Gusii land for speaking loudly and clearly," DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa added on X.