Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i arrived in his Gusii backyard on Friday to a triumphant welcome by hundreds of residents.
Dr Matiang'i was joined by a number of elected, nominated and aspiring leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties even as his much talked about 2027 presidential ambition gathers steam.
Locals lined the streets to have a glimpse of Dr Matiang'i during his meet-the-people tour which began at Kijauri in Borabu through to Kisii Stadium via Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii and Nyamira towns.
In Kisii town, residents crowded the Capital roundabout, forcing the event planners to cede to a last-minute call to have Dr Matiang'i address the people from Gusii Stadium.
The Capital roundabout is usually used by political players to check their popularity based on the number of people they attract.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i acknowledges greetings from members of the public in Borabu Constituency, Nyamira County on May 02, 2025.
Photo credit: Ruth Mbula | Nation Media Group
"I have come here because this is home and because you have been saying that I should come home to explain how we will talk to others about the affairs of our country," said Dr Matiang'i amid wild cheers.
He also paid a courtesy call on Kisii Governor Simba Arati in his office, as a crowd waited outside.
In a surprise move, Governor Arati, who is the deputy party leader of the Raila Odinga-led ODM, rode together with Dr Matiang’i to the roundabout, and later to the stadium as Ekegusii songs on the former Cabinet Secretary's bid for the presidency were played.
Others who joined the rally were ODM Senators Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira).
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i acknowledges greetings from members of the public in Borabu Constituency, Nyamira County on May 02, 2025.
Photo credit: Ruth Mbula | Nation Media Group
ODM legislators who participated in the rally were Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Patrick Osero (Borabu).
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, the only MP from Nyamira County elected on President William Ruto's UDA party, was also involved in organising the event.
Also present was nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba and former West Mugirango Vincent Kemosi also joined the rally.
