ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has publicly declared his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i ahead of the 2027 General Election, describing the former CS as “his project.”
Speaking on Friday during a condolence gathering for Richard Onyonka following the death of his mother, Teresia Nyaboke, Arati said he was among the earliest political leaders to champion the “Matiang’i for President” campaign narrative across the country.
The Kisii Governor stated that he had consistently promoted Matiang’i’s leadership credentials long before the former Cabinet Secretary emerged as a serious topic of national political discussion.
“I was among the first leaders to move around the country popularizing the Matiang’i presidency,” Arati reportedly told mourners during the gathering.
Arati’s remarks are expected to further intensify political conversations surrounding Matiang’i’s possible presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 polls. The former Interior CS has increasingly been linked to growing calls from sections of leaders and supporters, particularly from the Gusii region, urging him to enter the presidential race.
Although Matiang’i has not officially declared his candidature, his name has continued to feature prominently in opposition and national political discussions following his return to the public spotlight in recent months.
The endorsement by Arati also signals possible shifting political alignments within the opposition as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the next General Election.
The condolence meeting drew several leaders from the Gusii region who gathered to mourn the late Teresia Nyaboke and support Senator Onyonka and his family during the bereavement period.
