Gusii unity threatens Raila and Ruto’s grip

President William Ruto and his political ally, opposition chief Raila Odinga, are facing a monumental challenge in quelling dissent within the Gusii region, as the latest political realignments thrust the area into early campaign debates.

This is unfolding as several leaders from the region begin to lineup behind a quest to build former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s profile as a potential challenger to Ruto’s presidency.

Already, cracks have began to emerge within Raila’s camp that has traditionally enjoyed significant support from the region after a section of leaders in his camp questioned their commitment to address the region’s issues.

According to analysts, Matiang’i’s introduction has sparked hope in the region and could present both Raila and Ruto with a significant challenge in maintaining their support base there.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has stated that both Ruto and Raila have exploited the community’s unwavering allegiance to their political parties without fulfilling promises for fair inclusion in government appointments and the equitable sharing of national resources.

In the 2022 General Elections, Ruto secured about 40 per cent of the total votes from Gusii, while Raila garnered a majority of around 60 per cent. Raila is now shouldering the blame for allegedly failing to front a name to be considered for a high-ranking government position in the recently formed all-inclusive government.

The situation escalated recently when President Ruto appointed Raila’s ally, Timothy Bosire, a long-serving Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party treasurer, to chair the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Bosire, however, rejected the appointment, citing the community’s interests.

“The position the President offered me was minor and not befitting the needs of the community. When it comes to national appointments, there should be fair consideration for the community, not just individuals,” Bosire remarked.

Senator Onyonka has argued that Ruto’s administration has turned its back on the region. “President Ruto’s government is the worst for the Abagusii people, who have always had representation in past administrations. The only appointment for the community in this government is the Education Cabinet Secretary, Migos Ogamba,” Onyonka stated during a recent political rally in Kitutu Chache.

The vocal MP pointed out that this is the first government that has failed to appoint a principal secretary from the Gusii region. “Previously, we’ve had more than two principal secretaries from the region. What went wrong?” he asked.

Bosire’s rejection marks the second such instance after that of former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi, who also declined an appointment as Kenya’s ambassador to Ghana, citing personal reasons. However, those close to Kemosi suggest he considered the post a lesser opportunity not fitting his stature.

The Sunday Standard has learned that leaders from the community are working towards forming a united front to consolidate support behind Matiang’i. Former Nyamira Assembly majority leader Beautah Omanga believes that even though Dr Matiang’i has not officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 elections, he is keen on uniting the community. “As a community, we need the unity that was last felt during the 2002 General Elections when the late Simeon Nyachae ran for the presidency under the Ford People Party,” Omanga said.

Gusii Parliamentarians Caucus Chairman and MP for North Mugirango, Joash Nyamoko, believes that unity within the community is crucial if its leaders want to have significant bargaining power in the national government. “When you observe how other communities, even with fewer numbers, are represented, one wonders what will happen to the Abagusii if they fail to unite,” Nyamoko remarked.

The MP supports the idea of presenting a presidential candidate and forming a political party from the region, should leaders recognise the importance of unity among the Kisii community. “We have 16 elective seats in Parliament. This is the strength we should focus on now to create a unified front that will represent these seats effectively,” Nyamoko said.

West Mugirango legislator Stephen Mogaka also believes the time is ripe for politicians in the region to unite for the interest of the people. “People have been riding on our backs for far too long. Now we need our own house where we can move in united and demand our fair share of the national cake,” Mogaka said.

In the region, Raila is relying on his foot soldiers, led by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, to secure grassroots support, while Ruto is counting on the National Assembly’s Chief Whip, Sylvanus Osoro, to make inroads.

Matiang’i’s political aspirations emerged ahead of the 2022 General Elections, when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Party was formed under his leadership. However, he later shelved his ambitions to support Odinga.

According to insiders, a section of leaders in the region are confident that UPA could serve as the political vehicle to unite Gusii into a single political force. In the 2022 General Elections, UPA achieved a surprising victory by securing the Nyamira governorship through Governor Amos Nyaribo.