This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
As the 2022 general elections draw near, various communities are beginning to lay the groundwork for their preferred candidates. The Abagusii community, in particular, has taken a bold step by deciding to support Fred Matiang'i's presidential bid.
According to reports, an Ekklesia meeting was held at Matiang'i's home in Karen, Nairobi, where a cross-section of Abagusii leaders attended. The meeting was reportedly attended by Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama, senators Sam Ongeri and Okong'o Omogeni, legislators Momoima Onyonka, Alfa Miruka, Richard Tongi, Ezekiel Machogu, and other Gusii technocrats in government.
The meeting was a follow-up to a recent delegation to Raila Odinga, who was asked to endorse Matiang'i. However, earlier efforts to get Raila's endorsement in two funerals failed to yield the expected results.
Governor Ongwae is reportedly the brain behind the meeting, and he believes that a presidential candidate must first gain the full support of their tribe before seeking support from other tribes and regions.
It is alleged that Governor Ongwae has offered to donate Sh1 billion, and that Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama is expected to give a similar amount to kick-start the community's fundraising efforts for Matiang'i's presidential campaign.
Matiang'i is said to be open to the idea of becoming president and has even intimated that he is sure of getting President Uhuru Kenyatta's endorsement.
However, not all Abagusii leaders are on board with Matiang'i's bid. Some have already expressed their support for William Ruto, labeling Matiang'i a dictator, egocentric, arrogant, and selfish, and therefore unfit to be president.
MPs Ben Momanyi, Samwel Arama, and Richard Onyonka have been tasked with bringing together all elected leaders from the Gusii region, including those opposed to Matiang'i's leadership, to iron out their differences and chart a way forward.
