Matiang'i speak on involvement in politics amidst reports of rivalry with DP Ruto in Kisii ahead of 2022 race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta

Political realignments in readiness for 2022 General Election has split Gusii leaders between Deputy President William Ruto and Inteior CS Fred Matiang’i.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I has broken his silence on the political realignments in Kisii region in readiness for 2022 amidst reports that Gusii leaders are torn between backing him and throwing their weight behind Deputy President William Ruto.

Two rival camps have emerged in the region with one backing DP Ruto and the other believed to be pushing an agenda for the no-nonsense CS with impressive record of delivering.

The looming political contest came to the fore two weeks ago when DP Ruto toured and addressed four rallies alongside the MPs in his camp.

Less than ten days later, a rival camp believed to be rooting for Matiang’i organized a politically-charged event in Tindereti in Nyamira where speakers declared that they will support Dr Matiang’i if he expresses interest in any political seat and openly Ruto’s presidential ambitions, talking of a possible way of scuttling Ruto’s bid .

The CS has however distanced himself from the political realignments that has sent tongues wagging months after he was elevated to the role of Super CS by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I am a civil servant and it should be understood so. I don’t play politics because I have unfinished task of serving Kenyans as the President wants,” Matiang’i clarified to The Standard.

A section of Kisii political heavy-weights beleived to be backing CS Matiang'i at a political event in Nyamira that was also attended by Governor Alfred Mutua Pulse Live Kenya

MP reveals why the region will not supprt DP Ruto

Among those believed to be in Matiang’i’s camp are influential veteran politicians including Senators Sam Ongeri (Kisii), Okong’o Mogeni (Nyamira), Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama and a host of MCAs from the region.

“We cannot continue supporting a leader from whom we have not seen any benefit. We supported President Kenyatta together with Ruto but the post of Cabinet Secretary we have was Uhuru’s reward to us. What did the DP give us in his share of Cabinet slots?” Arama posed at the Tinderet rally.

DP William Ruto with residents of Mokomoni when he toured Nyamira County early this month Pulse Live Kenya

In DP Ruto’s corner are MPs Ben Momanyi (Borabu) Alfa Miruka (Machoge Chache), Innocent Obiri (Bobasi) and Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango),Joash Nyamoko, Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira Woman Rep), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba) and Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango) among others.

Last month, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka dumped DP Ruto, stating that he is a political liability, adding that he was not happy with the manner the DP was attacking ODM leader Raila Odinga.