A high-stakes political showdown is brewing in Kisii County as allies of President William Ruto plan a major fundraiser this weekend, seen as a strategic move to counter the growing influence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The harambee, scheduled for Sunday, April 27, will support the Marani Catholic Parish in Kitutu Chache North Constituency and will be hosted by local MP and UDA National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi. The event will feature a host of top government officials and Kenya Kwanza loyalists, including President Ruto’s close confidant Farouk Kibet.
“This special event will bring together distinguished national leaders and friends of our constituency,” Nyakundi said in a notice. “Our shared goal is to support meaningful development initiatives that uplift and empower our community.”
Despite President Ruto’s earlier directive discouraging public officials from participating in harambees due to concerns over funding sources, over 30 MPs allied to the ruling coalition are expected to attend. Among them are Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro.
Notably, high-profile fundraisers have become a common tool in Kenya Kwanza’s political playbook, used to consolidate support and showcase influence in various regions.
The Kisii fundraiser, however, comes amid a shifting political landscape in the Gusii region, fueled by Matiang’i’s rising stature. The former CS is set for a symbolic installation as a Gusii elder and potential community kingpin on May 4—an event widely seen as laying the groundwork for a larger political comeback, possibly a 2027 presidential bid.
Though Matiang’i has not declared his intentions, his growing popularity has sparked unease among Ruto allies, with some local leaders reportedly shifting allegiance in anticipation of a new political wave. Observers suggest that if the trend continues, Matiang’i could orchestrate a regional sweep reminiscent of the Ford People landslide in 2002, posing a formidable challenge to Kenya Kwanza’s foothold in Kisii and Nyamira.
