A fortnight after jetting back into the country, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is set to make his first public appearance on Friday, May 2, in Gusii, his tribal backyard.
However, one name is loudly missing from the guest list: Former Chief Justice David Maraga. Despite both hailing from Gusii and being rumored to vie for the presidency in 2027, Maraga has been sidelined.
The former CJ, celebrated for his honesty and commitment to justice, is not part of Matiang’i’s big political comeback. This snub raises serious questions about Matiang’i’s political style and what it signals for Kenya’s future.
Matiang’i Rally Exposes Deep Political Divisions in Gusii
The Matiang’i rally was hyped as a grand reunion of Gusii political heavyweights. Senator Richard Onyonka made sure to invite every big name from the region.
Governors Simba Arati and Amos Nyaribo, Senators Momoima Onyonka and Okong’o Omogeni, MPs, and MCAs are all expected to stand shoulder to shoulder with Matiang’i.
Yet, Maraga’s absence is deafening. Why? Because Maraga does not play the dirty tribal politics that has become the norm.
While Matiang’i enjoys support for his reputation as an effective Interior CS under Uhuru Kenyatta, his tenure was marred by corruption scandals and human rights abuses. The Ruaraka and Karen land scandals still haunt his record.
His iron-fist leadership style, known for abductions of bloggers and the River Yala body dumps, paints a brutal picture.
Matiang’i’s First Public Appearance Reinforces Tribal Politics
Maraga’s clean record stands in sharp contrast to Matiang’i’s checkered past. The former CJ is widely respected for his integrity, especially for nullifying the 2017 presidential election—a bold move that cemented his legacy as a guardian of the law. He has never been linked to any corruption or abuse of power.
Matiang’i, by sidelining Maraga, sends a clear message: his rally is not about uniting the Gusii community but about building a political fortress.
His right-hand man, Senator Richard Momoima Onyonka, is known for playing the tribal card, and this rally looks like a tribal power play rather than a vision for Kenya’s future.
Matiang’i and Gachagua’s Unfinished Business
Adding to the tension is the uncertain attendance of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua and Matiang’i have a bitter history.
During Matiang’i’s time as Interior CS, Gachagua faced relentless harassment, arrests, and public humiliation. Their rivalry is personal and political.
Matiang’i’s recent unease when spotted with Gachagua and other opposition leaders shows that the wounds have not healed.
Gachagua is now busy locking down the Mt. Kenya vote, earning him the label of a tribal chief. Ironically, Matiang’i is poised to play a similar game in Gusii, trying to consolidate his home base before going national.
Matiang’i Rally Hints at Uhuru’s Hidden Hand
Behind the scenes, many believe Matiang’i’s comeback is a project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru, still bitter about William Ruto’s rise to power, seems to be building a counterforce for 2027.
Matiang’i fits the bill: loyal, experienced, and ready to challenge Ruto’s grip on power. But Uhuru’s strategy seems to mirror the same old tribal politics that has kept Kenya in a cycle of division.
Matiang’i’s exclusion of Maraga—a national figure who transcends tribal lines—shows that the new political project may not be as fresh as it claims.
Conclusion
The Matiang’i rally in Gusii is more than a homecoming; it’s a preview of Kenya’s 2027 political battlefield. By shutting out David Maraga, Matiang’i reveals his hand: tribal politics, loyalty over integrity, and a willingness to sideline clean leaders for political gain.
As Kenyans watch this drama unfold, one thing is clear—if Matiang’i’s strategy is to outdo rivals like Gachagua in tribal politics, then Kenya’s dream of issue-based politics remains a distant hope.
