Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (left) and retired Chief Justice David Maraga at a past function.
The competing presidential ambitions of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and retired Chief Justice David Maraga have left the Gusii Community in a political dilemma ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although Dr Matiang’i has not officially declared his bid, Justice (rtd) Maraga has already embarked on countrywide tours to test the waters before mounting his State House chase.
The former judge has been meeting various groups, mainly the youth, and has been vocal on matters governance as he takes swipes at President William Ruto’s administration for its alleged failures— including disregard for the rule of law and condoning rank corruption.
Last weekend, Justice (rtd) Maraga faced a rather unwelcoming crowd in his home county of Nyamira, where Matiang’i also hails from.
“Is it Matiang’i or Maraga…?” Shouted Rigoma Ward Member of County Assembly Nyambega Gisesa.
The retired president of the Supreme Court, while facing the hostile crowd, responded in Ekegusii language: “I did not come here to insult or undermine anyone. Those issues will be discussed at the right time when the water will have settled.”
But Mr Gisesa called on the residents not to get confused between the two.
“We are asking our people to unite behind Matiang’i and let us have respect for our leaders,” said the former journalist, further asking the audience to distinguish between Dr Matiang’i and Mr Maraga.
“Who is for president? Matiang’i or Maraga?” asked Mr Gisesa, again.
There was a feeling among some of the people who attended the event that Justice (rtd) Maraga should consider running for the Nyamira gubernatorial seat.
But while steering clear of the debate, the former judge underscored the need for proper service delivery, Nyamira residents were complaining about poor services.
“I have been around for a number of days and people are yearning for service. They want leaders (in the troubled Nyamira County Assembly) to sit down and settle their differences,” said Mr Maraga.
He was referring to the near-dysfunction of the Nyamira County administration, which has been rocked by power struggles.
Last week, Governor Amos Nyaribo told a Senate committee that he was contemplating writing to President William Ruto to appoint a special committee to run the county affairs or a possible dissolution, revealing deep-seated divisions within the county leadership.
Mr Nyaribo revealed simmering antagonism pitting the county executive, Senator Erick Okong’o and the members of the county assembly, a war that has hampered service delivery.
The dilemma facing the Gusii is partly attributed to the track records of both Dr Matiang’I and Justice (rtd) Maraga.
The two former public servants come from the same County of Nyamira, north of Kisii County, and they’re both Seventh Day Adventist Church adherents.
Both are leaders with excellent public service track records and believe in accountability and the rule of law.
Maraga is remembered for his contribution in the corridors of justice and while serving on the bench.
Retired Chief Justice David Maraga (left) and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at a past function.
He rose through the ranks to the apex of the judiciary, where he served as the Chief Justice and president of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
He made history in 2017 when he led the Supreme Court judges in nullifying a flawed presidential election in which the electoral commission had handed Uhuru Kenyatta a second term in office, citing “illegalities and irregularities”.
On the other hand, Matiang’i’s performance in various Cabinet portfolios elevated him to the status of a no-nonsense public servant who is results-oriented.
Dr Matiang’i is remembered for his contribution across three ministries, namely Information Communication and Technology, Education and Interior and Coordination of National government.
Apologists of Dr Matiang’i opine that he was effective across the ministries, at some point taking charge as the Chief Minister when the then deputy president William Ruto (now president) had been elbowed out Mr Kenyatta’s inner circle.
Going by the nature of Kenyan politics, any presidential candidate must first be endorsed and supported, almost to the last man, in their home counties, before seeking support from other communities.
During a public lecture at Rongo University on Friday, Justice (rtd) Maraga declared that he had since accepted his endorsement for presidential run by the Gen Zs, and that he would continue with consultations before making the final decision.
Dr Matiang’I, on the other hand, is said to have appointed a Canadian lobby firm late last year to prospect his 2027 presidential bid and committed about Sh32 million, with Sh8 million already deposited.
The former CS is yet to formally announce his candidature but his foot soldiers, especially Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, have already hit the ground running to popularise his bid.
On Saturday Justice (rtd) Maraga made consultations with local leaders and elders in Nyamira, and the following day—Sunday—he attended a church service at Kisii Town Parish of the Catholic Church where he later addressed journalists.
He told off those alleging that he is a government project sponsored to scuttle Matiang’i’s prospects.
“Just relax and wait. You will make up your mind in due course whether or not I'm a State project,” he said.
He added that he had been consulting widely and that the people would decide.
“If you ask me, I will tell you that I am the best-suited candidate but if you ask another person, they will also tell you that they are the best. At the end of the day it is the people to decide,” he said.
Whereas, there were no notable local politicians flanking Maraga in Kisii, in the nearby Nyabururu Girls High School, Mr Onyonka was busy drumming up support for Matiang’i during an education function.
Mr Onyonka announced that the Abagusii would only back the candidacy of Dr Matiang’i.
“We have decided that as a community and as Kenyans we are also going to set up our own political party and produce our candidate who will negotiate with all the other people who are running for political office in this country. That candidate is none other than Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i,” he said.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi said “we have our son—Dr Matiang’i—that we are anointing to take the president head-on at the ballot”.
In February 2025, former South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya was shouted down at a public function in Kisii by a charged audience when he attempted to popularise Maraga’s presidential ambition.
A section of the angry audience was heard telling him to stop confusing the people, as Dr Matiang’i, they said, is the most viable option.
“Navigating through requires sobriety from our (Gusii) elected leaders and the citizenry. I have seen a bit of name-calling, but that’s where the focus will be lost. Surely, we cannot fail to agree on what suits Kenya or who should be the first among equals to represent the Gusii Community on the national table,” said Dr Andrew Maubi, a political analyst.
Former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi was among the first political leaders to front Maraga.
Flyers bearing the image of the former judge made rounds on Gusii social media circles in February 2025, touting him as the “legit honest man Kenya needs… Mosacha Ko Mosacha”.
Whereas Maraga says that he is banking on the youth vote to advance his ambition, political analysts observe that the 2027 vote will still be determined by tribal solidarity.
Dr Maubi submitted that since 2002, “no one has ever won an election without coalitions”.
rmbula@ke.nationmedia.com
