Ruto’s Gusii tour set against backdrop of Matiang’i-Gachagua political fight
President William Ruto.
President William Ruto's rescheduled tour of Gusiiland, beginning on Sunday, comes at a time when the region is rallying behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in his escalating feud with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The old adage, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”, resonates strongly as Dr Matiang’i, who is seeking to unseat President Ruto, receives unlikely support from some of his fiercest critics, who are aligned with the government.
National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro, once one of Dr Matiang’i’s most vocal opponents, is now leading a united front against Mr Gachagua’s attacks.
Mr Osoro, alongside United Democratic Alliance National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, has publicly criticised Mr Gachagua for belittling their community’s leaders.
Silvanus Osoro MP and Majority Whip in the National Assembly during the BBC World Questions interview.
The alliance marks a shift in political dynamics, uniting figures across government and the opposition in defence of Dr Matiang’i.
President Ruto’s political point men in Kisii and Nyamira have separately announced the visit, with governors and lawmakers racing against time to advance projects he is expected to launch during the four-day tour.
The President will meet local Gusii leaders at his Trans Mara home later today (Saturday) to deliberate on his visit.
Confirming the visit, the chairman of the Gusii Lawmakers Caucus, Mr Joash Nyamoko, who had previously announced the postponement of the earlier tour about two weeks ago, said they were now ready to host the Head of State.
Speaking during the Inua Mama, Wezesha Jamii Programme at Esanige, Magwagwa Ward, in North Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, Mr Nyamoko noted that construction of various projects was ongoing ahead of the visit.
“On the 8th, the President will return to Gusii, and we will ensure he comes here to Magwagwa. He will launch this stadium. A very large stadium is being constructed here, with tractors already on site,” Mr Nyamoko said.
The President will begin his visit in West Mugirango, Nyamira County, landing at St John Rangenyo Senior School grounds.
He will attend an interdenominational church service at Nyamaiya Stadium, commission the West Mugirango Constituency digital hub and later launch the Bondeni-Magombo Road.
He will then head to neighbouring North Mugirango, where he will launch the Tombe-Isinta-Mokomoni Road and preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for Magwagwa Stadium.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has been holding meetings in Nairobi with elected leaders over the past two weeks to prepare for the visit.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, meanwhile, has spent the past two days touring various projects and inspecting their progress ahead of their launch by President Ruto.
Kisii Governor and ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati addresses party supporters during a mega rally in memory of Raila Odinga at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31, 2026.
The conflict between Dr Matiang’i and Mr Gachagua escalated on November 3, 2026, when Mr Gachagua launched a scathing attack on Dr Matiang’i, labelling him “lazy” and disconnected from grassroots realities.
Mr Osoro responded by emphasising the Gusii community’s respect for Dr Matiang’i’s achievements, contrasting them sharply with Mr Gachagua’s record.
“This should go straight to the uncouth, bully, impeached DP. He is the last person to lecture Matiang’i on performance. We challenge him to put his record against Matiang’i’s achievements in ICT, Education, and Interior. They have both served in government in different capacities. The difference is clear as day and night,” Mr Osoro said.
Mr Osoro, who is also the South Mugirango MP, added: “The Gusii nation, whether in government or opposition, has a clear message for Gachagua: Stop the unwarranted attacks on Matiang’i. Political competition is welcome, but insults against our son will not go unchallenged. Gachagua’s only known record is being impeached from both government and now opposition. Respect the Gusii community, Mr Experienced Impeached!”
Mr Nyakundi echoed these sentiments and called for leadership that unites rather than divides, noting the need for respect and inclusivity.
As this political drama unfolds, President Ruto’s cancelled tour has been rescheduled for November 8 to 11, after a two-week delay marked by political infighting among his lieutenants in the region and confusion over how the Head of State would address concerns about stalled projects and unfulfilled promises.
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