City lawyer Danstan Omari encourages former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to reconsider his presidential ambitions and instead unite behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term. Omari emphasizes that the Jubilee presidential hopeful lacks the political support and voter base essential for a successful presidential campaign.
He points out that Matiang’i’s political influence has diminished significantly, noting that former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who he identifies as Matiang’i’s key political ally, has shifted his support to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
“The reality is that former President Uhuru Kenyatta has moved away from Matiang’i and is now aligned with Edwin Sifuna. Let’s be honest—Matiang’i stands alone,” Omari states.
In a recent interview, he observed that Matiang’i no longer commands the national political machinery he once did.
“The influence he once had to traverse the nation is gone. His political strength has diminished,” he remarked.
Omari challenges Matiang’i and other presidential aspirants from the Gusii community to showcase their national appeal, questioning their ability to attract significant crowds beyond the Kisii region.
“Please demonstrate to me a single rally they have organized outside Kisii that drew over 500 attendees. Who will cast their votes for them?” he inquires.
He argues that successful presidential politics hinges on national mobilization and forming alliances that transcend ethnic or regional boundaries.
“Politics is about mobilization. Have they mobilized? They have not. Politics involves having supporters surrounding you. Who are their key supporters on a national level?” Omari questions.
His analysis leads him to conclude that Matiang’i cannot mount a viable presidential campaign solely relying on support from the Gusii community.
“I have evaluated the situation. Dr. Matiang’i finds himself at a crossroads. He began as a national political figure and has now returned to his roots,” Omari explains.
He advises the Gusii community not to be misled into thinking that Matiang’i can secure the presidency without forming a broader national coalition.
“Let’s not, as Omugusii, be fooled into believing that Dr. Fred Matiang’i is destined for the ballot,” he asserts.
Omari also raises concerns about the presidential prospects of another prominent Gusii politician, retired Chief Justice David Maraga, urging the community to recognize the limitations of its numerical strength in national elections.
He asserts that the Gusii community cannot achieve presidential success while remaining politically isolated and must forge alliances with other communities.
“You cannot attain the presidency by campaigning exclusively in Kisii,” Omari firmly states.
He highlights Kenya’s constitutional requirements for presidential victory, noting that a candidate must secure over half of the national vote and meet the defined county thresholds.
“To become president in Kenya, you must achieve 50% plus one of all votes cast in this country,” he explains, expressing skepticism about Matiang’i or Maraga’s ability to meet these criteria independently.
Omari clarifies that his current position reflects a shift from his previous support for Matiang’i. He recalls representing the former CS during a time of legal challenges and reveals that he personally appealed to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for intervention.
“Dr. Fred Matiang’i was my client. It’s well-known that I defended him during his arrest,” Omari states.
“However, do I continue to support him now? The answer is no.”
He explains that he now supports Ruto, citing a personal relationship with the President, whom he also considers a client.
“Dr. William Ruto is my client. I represented him in a family matter. He is a personal friend, and we have collaborated extensively,” he shares.
He emphasizes that he cannot abandon Ruto for politicians with whom he lacks a similar rapport, asserting his commitment to a “two-term project” for the President.
Omari calls on Matiang’i and Maraga to collaborate with South Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka and collectively endorse Ruto, arguing that this strategy would ensure the Gusii community’s representation in government.
“I urge the Gusii community to recognize that we cannot vie for national elections in isolation from other communities. We must assess our potential. Do we possess the numbers for national politics? The answer is no,” he concludes.
