Gusii leaders have been urged to stop backstabbing Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i and instead rally behind him ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Speaking in Tindereti Primary School on Monday during a funds drive to boost schools’ infrastructure, the Machakos County Governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua wondered why Gusii leaders allow themselves to be used to taint Matiang’i’s image by dragging him into petty scandals.
Governor Mutua asked the leaders to support Dr. Matiang’i, saying he had shown capability in transforming the country through the changes he has made in all government portfolios he has been in charge since 2013.
“Your son Matiang’i has proved to Kenyans that he can be a good leader in all the ministries he has held before and I wonder why Gusii leaders are being used by some egocentric individuals to backstab him, I can confidently state that the CS is ripe to take up the mantle and all he needs is support from the grassroots,” said Mutua.
Dr. Mutua who led other leaders from the region, including Nyamira County Governor, John Nyangarama in a funds drive to build a dining hall for Tindereti primary school hinted at a possibility to form an alliance with Dr. Matiang’i in forming the next government in 2022.
He said Kenya needed visionary leaders who have a clean track record and who have the plight of Kenyans at heart.
“I wish to form an alliance with the Abagusii so that we can transform our country. It’s time Kenya got visionary leaders who have a development track record to make our country habitable for the coming generations,” Dr. Mutua added.
The Machakos Governor has declared his interest to run for the country’s top seat come 2022 and is seen to have the mandate of the Kamba community which has for a long time been dominated by the Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.
On the other hand, Dr. Matiang’i has not publicly declared an interest to vie for president but he is viewed as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s choice to succeed him after his term expires in 2022 because of the responsibilities he has accorded him.
President Kenyatta’s decision to appoint, Dr. Matiang’i as the ‘chief’ CS has caused jitters amongst a section of politicians in the country who claim the appointment undermines the Deputy President’s role and, in a way, interferes with his 2022 plan to succeed President Kenyatta.
Over Sh.1.7 million was raised at the funds drive.
By Deborah Bochere/Dan Nyamanga
