{
  "id": 7119919,
  "title": "Omari urges Matiang’i to drop presidential bid, back Ruto",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/omari-urges-matiangi-to-drop-presidential-bid-back-ruto",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T14:49:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/omari-urges-matiangi-to-drop-presidential-bid-back-ruto/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Danstan Omari, a Nairobi lawyer, has advised former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to abandon his presidential ambitions and instead back President William Ruto's bid for re-election. Omari contends that the incumbent lacks the political influence and voter support necessary to claim the presidency. He explained that former President Uhuru Kenyatta, once a key political backer for Matiang'i, has now aligned himself with Edwin Sifuna, the senator representing the Linda Mwananchi movement. Omari acknowledged that Matiang'i no longer possesses the national political clout he once enjoyed. \"Mtiang'i's political influence is no longer nationwide,\" Omari stated. He challenged Matiang'i and other presidential candidates from the Gusii community to provide examples of successful rallies outside Kisii that attracted over 500 attendees. Omari emphasized that presidential politics requires national mobilization and the formation of alliances beyond one's ethnic or regional base. He asserted that Matiang'i's political prospects are limited without a broader national coalition. \"Matiang'i cannot win without a national coalition,\" Omari concluded. Omari also questioned the presidential viability of retired Chief Justice David Maraga, asserting that the Gusii community must recognize the significance of its limited numerical strength in national elections. He maintained that the Gusii community cannot secure the presidency by remaining politically isolated. \"You can't win the presidency by only campaigning in Kisii,\" Omari stated. Omari explained that his shift in support for Matiang'i to Ruto originated from a personal relationship with the President, whom he referred to as a client. He defended representing Matiang'i in the past, stating that he no longer feels obligated to support him. Omari urged Matiang'i and Maraga to unite with MP Steve Mogaka and support Ruto, stating that this collaboration would grant the Gusii community a stake in government.",
  "summary": "Lawyer says Uhuru Kenyatta has shifted his support to Edwin Sifuna and that the Gusii community lacks the numerical strength to propel Matiang'i to State House. The post Omari urges Matiang’i to drop presidential bid, back Ruto appeared first on KBC Digital .",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i urged to drop presidential bid.",
    "Advocate Danstan Omari advises backing President William Ruto.",
    "Gusii community needs national coalition to win presidency."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}