Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i will host United Opposition leaders for a three-day tour of his home region of Gusii.
The opposition leaders are set to camp in Nyamira on Monday, February 23, 2026, for a series of rallies and public engagements before heading to Kisii on February 24 and 25 for similar events.
Dr Matiang’i will lead the rallies, accompanied by colleagues including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his former Cabinet colleague Eugene Wamalwa, DP leader Justin Muturi and Martha Karua of the PLP.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and his Nyamira counterpart Okong’o Omogeni confirmed the tour, saying a final itinerary would be released later.
“On Monday, we will start from Ekerenyo before heading to Nyamira town, then on to Marani in Kitutu Chache. The next day, Tuesday, we will be in Nyanturago, Nyakoe, Suneka and Nyamarambe. On Wednesday, the 25th, we will be in Ogembo, Nyamache and Kenyenya, among other areas. However, the final itinerary is still being fine-tuned,” Mr Onyonka said.
He added, “It is a three-day event, but we may decide to add one more day if time allows so that we cover as many places as possible.”
The Kisii senator said all the main presidential aspirants had confirmed their availability for the rallies, which will also serve as Dr Matiang’i’s homecoming.
“This is the first time our candidate is doing a homecoming in the company of his colleagues in the opposition. I urge residents to turn up in large numbers to listen to the message from our leaders,” Mr Onyonka said.
Senator Omogeni urged residents to maintain peace and avoid any temptation to disrupt the rallies, amid reports of an alleged plot to interfere with the events.
“Let us give our people an opportunity to show the world that our community is firmly behind Dr Matiang’i. Even those who do not believe in him should allow us to campaign for him. You can also stage your campaigns later without disrupting ours,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i, who announced his bid last year, has since picked the Jubilee Party as his political vehicle. He enjoys the support of several MPs from the region, including the two senators and MPs Patrick Osero (Borabu), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), among others.
The former Interior CS is seeking backing from fellow opposition leaders to secure a joint ticket to challenge President William Ruto in next year’s polls. He is keen not only to consolidate his support at home but also to extend it to other regions.
In November last year, he appeared to assert his influence in his home area after individuals allied to him won all three ward by-elections held in Nyamaiya, Nyansiongo and Ekerenyo wards in Nyamira County.
“This team that is coming wants to confirm whether you have truly embraced your own horse, Matiang’i, as you claim, or whether you are just joking. This is the opportunity to demonstrate that he has our support and that they can rely on it,” Mr Onyonka added
