By KPC Political Reporter
Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Dr Fred Matiang’i has accused the government of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and inducements aimed at weakening his political support base in the Gusii region.
He claims the scheme is designed to portray him as a non-starter in the 2027 presidential race.
Dr Matiang’i alleged that senior figures from the region have been approached and pressured to abandon him and align themselves with President William Ruto’s administration.
“They are using intimidation and coercion to force my supporters to abandon me,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary alleged that the tactics include promises of parastatal jobs, financial inducements, and threats to deny development to constituencies whose leaders fail to back the government.
“In the last two months, this government has been approaching every Kisii leader willing to listen, asking whether they will accept money and offering parastatal jobs if they defect to UDA and disown me,” Dr Matiang’i said.
He singled out veteran politicians Sam Ongeri and Chris Obure among those he claims have been approached. Prof Ongeri and Mr Obure, who have since retired from elective politics, remain influential figures within the Gusii community.
Dr Matiang’i said the efforts are part of a broader strategy to politically isolate him in his Gusii stronghold.
According to him, elected leaders are being warned that their constituencies will miss out on development projects unless they publicly support President Ruto.
He argued that such actions undermine Kenya’s democratic ideals, noting that political competition is both legitimate and constitutionally protected.
“We are in a political competition, and democracy, including multi-party democracy, is a reality in our country,” he said.
“Those who want to campaign with me in Jubilee should be free to do so.”
Dr Matiang’i described the alleged pressure as a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and other Gusii leaders, adding that he would soon publicly name individuals involved in calling senior regional leaders at night with offers of jobs and money.
“Honestly, we expect far more decency, conduct and discipline from this government than what we are witnessing,” he said.
He called for restraint, urging the government to uphold the rule of law and practise respectful politics.
“The law should be followed not only by the opposition, but by those in government as well,” he added.
The Jubilee deputy leader appealed for calm among his supporters but warned that growing frustration in the region could lead to unrest if the alleged intimidation persists.
“For now, we are calling on our supporters to remain calm, patient and law-abiding, but this may not last long because people are increasingly agitated,” he cautioned.
“It will not be for long. If they continue down this path, seeking conflict and confrontation, we will walk that road. No government can prevail against its people if it behaves in the primitive manner we are witnessing,” he said.
The accusations come amid intensified political mobilisation nationwide, with the Gusii region emerging as a key political battleground.
Dr Matiang’i reaffirmed that he remains focused on the race and will see it through, saying he intends to pursue the presidency to free the country from mismanagement and growing public frustration.
“We will not relent or step back. We will pursue the presidency with the aim of victory, and I believe Kenyans will grant us the mandate to move the country forward,” he said.