Matiang’i motorcade stoned after anti-violence speech at Bobasi burial

Presidential hopeful Dr Fred Matiang’i’s motorcade was attacked by suspected goons on Friday shortly after he condemned the growing wave of political violence during a burial ceremony in Bobasi, Kisii County.

The attack occurred minutes after Matiang’i addressed mourners at the funeral of political activist Vincent Misati, who died two weeks ago after reportedly falling onto the road from a vehicle travelling in the Linda Mwananchi convoy at Keumbu in Nyaribari Chache.

As Matiang’i’s convoy left the burial, it was ambushed near Gionseri Girls High School, where unknown individuals hurled stones at the vehicles, causing panic among leaders and supporters.

Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni’s vehicle was damaged during the attack, while Nyaribari Chache parliamentary hopeful Brian Nyamweya, popularly known as Ensari Mache, narrowly escaped injury after a stone narrowly missed him. Two other political aspirants travelling in the same vehicle were not injured.

Although Dr Matiang’i was unharmed, those accompanying him described the incident as an attempt to intimidate opposition leaders through violence.

The attack came only moments after Matiang’i had used the burial to denounce what he described as the growing culture of political goonism, warning that it posed a serious threat to Kenya’s democracy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In what he termed the “Gionseri Declaration,” the Jubilee Party presidential aspirant called on political leaders and their supporters to reject violence and embrace tolerance, dialogue and issue-based politics.

“We must reject violence in all its forms. Every Kenyan has a constitutional right to assemble, associate and express their political views without intimidation,” Matiang’i said.

He warned that Kenya’s democratic gains could be undermined if leaders continued to sponsor or tolerate political violence, adding that elections should be decided at the ballot box rather than through fear and intimidation.

Earlier, during a stopover at Keumbu on his way to the burial, Matiang’i said the united opposition would safeguard the integrity of the 2027 General Election and resist any attempts to manipulate the electoral process.

“We will protect the people’s vote and ensure the 2027 elections are free, fair and credible. Kenyans must have confidence that their choice will be respected,” he said.

He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies and other state institutions to remain neutral, uphold the Constitution and guarantee equal treatment for all political players before, during and after the elections.

Former Cabinet minister Prof Sam Ongeri appealed to young people to resist recruitment into violent political groups, urging them instead to champion peace and national unity.

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi called on Kisii residents to rally behind Matiang’i’s presidential bid, describing him as a leader capable of uniting the country.

Among those accompanying Matiang’i were Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri, former Kisii Woman Representative Janet Ong’era, governorship hopefuls Dr Enock Ondari and Ezekiel Machogu, as well as other opposition leaders, all of whom condemned the attack and called for an end to political violence.