Thursday 06th March, 2025 09:58 PM|
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has downplayed the presidency declaration of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i within the upcoming 2027 common elections, emphasizing that regional voting blocs alone can not safe Kenya’s prime seat.
Speaking throughout a press briefing on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after assembly with leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties, Raila asserted that successful the presidency requires broad nationwide assist.
He dismissed the notion {that a} single group’s votes can propel a candidate to the coveted place.
“There’s nothing like a community producing a candidate. Someone running for the presidency cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes. If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenyans generally,” Raila acknowledged.
The veteran politician, who has run for the presidency a number of occasions, emphasised the nationwide nature of Kenya’s prime political workplace.
“You cannot be elected the President of Kenya on the basis of the Kisii votes, or the Luo votes, or the Luhya votes for that matter, or even the Mount Kenya votes,” he defined.
According to Raila, presidential aspirants should construct broad-based, cross-regional coalitions to succeed.
“If you want to be elected, you’ll be elected by Kenya generally,” he stated.
While showing to recommend that discussions about presidential candidates had been untimely at this stage, the previous Prime Minister additional famous that Matiang’i has not formally declared curiosity within the presidency.
“That is something we will deal with when the actual time comes. Mr. Matiang’i has not at this stage come out to speak to declare that he wants to run for the presidency, so I don’t know where you are getting that information,” he informed journalists.
Gusii assist
On January 20, 2025, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka introduced that the Abagusii community would support Fred Matiang’i in his presidential bid for the 2027 common elections.
In a press release, the outspoken senator described the endorsement of the previous Interior Cabinet Secretary as a vital step in empowering the group to actively form its political future.
“It is evident that Kenya is ripe for a political/leadership turnaround. We are prepared to be part of this. Therefore, we commit that we will be supporting Dr. Fred Matiang’i as our presidential candidate in the next General Elections. We will be making more announcements on this matter in due course.” Onyonka stated.
“The 2010 Constitution liberated us from the servitude of non-democratic actions, curtailing us from making independent choices and participating in political pursuits freely, fairly and pushing for our equitable role in the political front,” a part of his presser stated.
“Therefore, having keenly scrutinized the current developments in our nation through broad consultations and soul searching, the Gusii Community, guided by our country’s democratic values, we envision for our own party that will propel our political interests at the national level,” Onyonka stated.
Jubilee Party endorsement
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni introduced that the get together has endorsed Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
Kioni defined that this choice was reached following consultations with get together representatives from throughout the nation.
“This is not to mean that he(Matiangi) become the eventual candidate but a presidential candidate within the party who will join others in coming up with one person who I believe as a coalition in the opposition we will be able to back,” he acknowledged.
Why Matiang’i?
Speaking on January 29, 2025, the Jubilee Secretary-General elaborated on why Matiang’i was chosen.
He argued that Matiang’i possesses a deep understanding of the route former President Uhuru Kenyatta took throughout his tenure.
Kioni famous that Matiang’i had carried out varied insurance policies in sectors resembling safety, well being, and schooling, making him well-acquainted with nationwide points and the nation’s developmental trajectory.
“Matiang’i used to be there with Uhuru for 10 years and he is aware of the place we’re going plus all these initiatives. In reality, he was chairing these cupboard sub-committees.
“In education, he was there, in security he was there and I believe we will quickly sort out the health sector. We need somebody who can get us back on track quickly not again through another circus,” Kioni acknowledged.
However, Kioni emphasised that Matiang’i continues to be seeking a strong team to support his bid for energy in 2027.
He indicated that Matiang’i’ll interact varied leaders, together with Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Okay’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua.