Lawyer Omari dismisses Matiang’i’s Presidential bid, urges him to back Ruto

Lawyer Danstan Omari has urged former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to abandon his presidential ambitions and instead support President William Ruto for the 2027 General Election. Omari argues that Matiang'i lacks the necessary backing from influential political formations and key opposition figures to mount a competitive campaign.

The lawyer points out that neither former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua nor the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement have placed Matiang'i at the center of their political calculations. Gachagua reportedly remains uncomfortable with Matiang'i for deploying police officers to his residence during his tenure as Interior CS. While Matiang'i has attracted support in Kisii and Nyamira counties due to his experience in government and public administration, converting this regional support into a nationwide presidential campaign poses a significant challenge.

The emergence of Linda Mwananchi, associated with Senator Edwin Sifuna, has added another dimension to the political realignments. However, Omari believes that Matiang'i's support network may become politically isolated, with other leaders distancing themselves and joining Ruto's administration. Senator Richard Onyonka, a vocal champion of Matiang'i's presidential ambitions, has recently joined Linda Mwananchi and secured a prominent position as treasurer.

This realignment has raised questions about the cohesion of the former CS's political network. Omari questions the wisdom of pursuing a presidential campaign without considering the influence of large voting blocs, arguing that the Gusii community's interests would be better served through participation in government. He emphasizes that Omogusii's interests are not aligned with opposition but with government participation.

Matiang'i has previously ruled out joining Ruto's United Democratic Alliance but has maintained that his political future is anchored in the Jubilee Party. Despite acknowledging the difficulties of uniting opposition parties, Omari urges Matiang'i to abandon his uncertain political undertaking and seek accommodation within Ruto's administration to retain his traditional support base and expand his national appeal.