Photos of the Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, and the National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed have been circulating online and have sparked speculation and confusion among their supporters.
One photo shows Dr Matiang’i in conversation with the two leaders, who are aligned with the broad-based government, while the other showed the three of them posing in a way that critics construed as political.
The images have fuelled discussion on social media, coming just hours after the Linda Mwananchi rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties on Friday.
Amid the rumours, the Jubilee deputy party leader issued a statement on social media dismissing the speculation and describing the encounter as coincidental.
Dr Matiang’i, who was travelling to Kisumu for a church function in Ahero on Saturday morning, said that they had bumped into each other and that people should not read anything more into it.
“This morning, after checking in at the Kenya Airways desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, I bumped into Simba Arati and Junet Mohamed, who had also checked in and were travelling to Kisumu. It was a chance encounter as each of us proceeded to our flight,” Dr Matiang’i said.
He added, “Contrary to false claims circulating online, this was not a meeting held last night or a planned engagement. It was simply a chance encounter between leaders at the airport.”
“I then proceeded to Kisumu to join James Orengo, Martha Karua and the faithful for a church service at Apondo SDA Church in Ahero,” said the Jubilee presidential flag bearer.
Mr Mohamed said, “Yes, we met at the airport and we were all coming to Kisumu for different functions. Arati and I are going to Nyando for an empowerment function. As usual, as politicians, we had our little talk here and there.”
Responding to the speculation, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said, “Guys, grow up. We are heading to Ahero for a church function with Karua. Karua is there too. Former CS Fred met the two musketeers at the airport. How does that mean that CS is with Ruto? Did you want CS to run to the toilet? ... CS is the one who posted that picture, not Junet. He says that Junet insisted the picture be taken ... nothing wrong.
"Today, if I met William Ruto at the airport, I would say hi and take a picture with a disclaimer.”
Mr Onyonka continued: “Anything else you say is based on childish games. I have said: I will and can never work with the system ya majambazi...”
Meanwhile, at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Gusii on Saturday, leaders sharply criticised Governor Arati for allegedly hiring goons to disrupt their meetings.
The team's motor vehicles were pelted with stones in Keumbu and Nyaribari Chache on Friday, and several people fell from the speeding vehicles as the attackers hit them with stones from different directions.
The Linda Mwananchi leaders, led by Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Babu Owino and Godfrey Osotsi, accused Mr Arati of betraying the late Raila Odinga and collaborating with his political adversaries.
Mr Arati, who is also the Governor of Kisii, and Mr Mohamed, the MP for Suna East, have been leading the Linda Ground wing of the ODM party that is backing President Ruto's re-election.
Notably, former Chief Justice David Maraga attended the Linda Mwananchi rally in Gusii, and he said that he would work with the team.
Speaking at a women's empowerment meeting at the Monarch Hotel in Mosocho, Kisii County, Mr Maraga affirmed the alliance between Linda Mwananchi and the group in their efforts to remove President Ruto from office.
“Wananchi are saying that what is killing our country is the theft of public resources, and they want it returned. They told me, 'CJ, go there, talk with your colleagues so that we are united. Return our country to where it should be and work with those who want our country to prosper.' That is why I am here. We have joined hands with Linda Mwananchi. We want to work with those who seek to restore our country,” Mr Maraga said as he criticised President Ruto.
Two days earlier, National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro took to social media to offer Dr Matiang’i political advice.
Mr Osoro claimed that Dr Matiang’i currently enjoys significant support in both Kisii and across the country, but urged him to “seize the moment and claim the Nyanza kingship that is currently vacant.”
Mr Osoro also suggested that Dr Matiang’i should join the ruling party's team, arguing that the opposition had no chance of winning.
