This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On August 31, 2019, Gusii community leaders in Kisii called on ODM leader Raila Odinga to endorse Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i for the presidency.
During the burial of Hezron Manduku, the former Nyaribari Masaba Member of Parliament, the Gusii leaders urged Raila to support Matiang'i for the top seat in the coming election.
Raila responded by referring to Matiang'i as his son and wanting the best for him, but also cautioned that it was too early to engage in politics, which could pull back the country's development agenda.
Speaking at the burial, Matiang'i urged the leaders to focus on development and wait for the right time to announce his bid for the presidency.
He added that it was still time to work for his people and that he would announce his decision at the right time, urging everyone to seek spiritual guidance.
Raila emphasized the need for the country to remain united and corruption-free before leaders start politicking.
The Gusii area leaders, led by Jimmy Angwenyi, the Kitutu Chache North Member of Parliament, also sought Raila's support to have one of their own in the top government seat.
