Ruto takes his charm offensive to Gusiiland with three-day tour

President William Ruto addresses Kisumu residents on September 14, 2026/PCSPresident William Ruto’s tour of the Gusii region is set to intensify political pressure on former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as the race to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 polls intensifies.

Ruto is expected to tour Nyamira and Kisii counties for three days from Monday, November 9.

Matiang’i, who has positioned himself as a potential presidential contender, is facing pressure following fresh divisions within the Opposition and shifting alliances in the region.

The pressure has been compounded by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s declaration that the opposition can send Ruto home without Matiang’i’s input, casting doubt on the former CS’s place in the opposition’s power structure.

Gachagua on Sunday said the opposition can be anchored on his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement.

Such an arrangement, he noted, will secure more than the constitutional 50 per cent plus one threshold required to win the presidency.

The proposed arrangement threatens to sideline several opposition heavyweights, including Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Justin Muturi and Eugene Wamalwa, all of whom have declared interest in flying the opposition flag.

Gachagua’s utterances came just days after the former minister suffered a setback following the defection of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka to Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi camp.

There have been fears that Matiang’i could lose his political foothold in his backyard as elected leaders align with Ruto and others join Sifuna.

Ruto’s planned tour of the region now presents another major test for the former CS, who will be under pressure to demonstrate that he remains firmly in control of the Gusii political ground.

Kisii and Nyamira counties have a combined 960,293 registered voters: 637,010 in Kisii and 323,283 in Nyamira.

National Assembly’s Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro has termed the visit critical, promising major announcements during the charm offensive.

“Major announcements will also be made during this visit. Expect surprises,” Osoro said.

He did not disclose the nature of the ‘surprises’.

Last week, Gusii leaders allied to the broad-based government convened a meeting in Nairobi to strategise on Ruto’s tour.

The meeting brought together senior government officials and political leaders – both elected and nominated.

Those present included Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi, nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri and nominated MP Irene Mayaka.

Others were Osoro, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda and, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi.

Also in the team were Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka and Bomachoge Chache MP Alpha Miruka.

Bonchari MP Charles Onchoke, who has largely been seen as neutral, also attended the meeting, confirming his allegiance to the president.

At Matiang’i’s corner are Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Borabu MP Patrick Oser0, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi.

Barongo, Gisairo and Kibagendi are Sifuna’s loyalists, often attending his countrywide rallies.

There has been a push in Matiang’i camp to have the leaders make up their minds ahead of the polls.

Borabu MP aspirant Morara Kebaso has been at the forefront in demanding that Matiang’i allies make up their mind on which side they are supporting.

“If you are in Linda Mwananchi and at the same time you are a Jubilee supporter, where you also have a presidential candidate, that multibet will not work. Main chick and side chick politics is adultery. Choose a side and be loyal,” he said.

The President’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the broad-based government to consolidate its influence through development pledges, political engagements and mobilisation of local leaders.

Osoro said the President’s itinerary will be released soon by State House.

“For South Mugirango, we will launch Sengenya – Openda – Karungu – Kiagware Road and Nyakeyo – Nyamasege – Nyakorere – Moma Road among others,” he stated.

Matiang’i’s political fortunes are also being complicated by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who is emerging as a key player in the region’s political contest.

Arati, an ODM deputy party leader, has been pushing to steer the Gusii region towards the broad-based government, putting him on a potentially collision course with Matiang’i’s opposition ambitions.

The governor’s influence, coupled with Ruto’s renewed engagement with the region, could create competing centres of political power in Kisii and Nyamira.

Yesterday, Arati invited Matiang’i to join the ODM Party and the broad-based government ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Those opposition people, do they have a sense of direction really? They don’t have a plan or even brains. You have seen how they are disintegrating; Gachagua is saying that as three principals {Kalonzo and Sifuna and Gachagua} they are enough,” Arati said.

“My brother Matiangi have a second thought and come let us build ODM, and we will go together as one.”

Ahead of the 2027 elections approaching, Matiang’i faces the dual challenge of defending his regional political base while fighting for recognition within an opposition coalition increasingly shaped by competing presidential ambitions and shifting alliances.