The recent mini-polls in Nyamira have have exposed a growing undercurrent of unease among the rank-and-file supporters of president Ruto’s UDA party in the larger Gusii region.
What should have been a routine reaffirmation of support has instead become a signal that the political wind — even in “friendly” territory — may be fast shifting.
The undercurrents are deep, sending an avalanche of jitters to those allied with the UDA party, and it is not going down without a fight though.
President William Ruto, aware of the same rising Dr Fred Matiangi wave, through proxies, has now launched a fresh but determined offensive to reclaim the region from sliding hook line and sinker to former Interior CS.
The ignominious defeat of candidates allied to his UDA party and other entities within the broad based coalition, during the three by-elections in Nyamira form the basis of the fresh onslaught.
According to Kisii University don Eric Onsongo, the defeat appear to had punctured the aura of invincibility against the ruling party.
“For long, some believed that the ruling party could automatically march to victory whenever it mobilized — but defeat in Nyamira shows that identity or incumbency is no longer a guarantee,” he said.
Onsongo opined the defeat in the Nyamira by elections further underlines deeper discontent in the larger Gusii region.
“It reveals a ground shift and in this case to Dr Fred Matiangi,” he stated.
“That UDA could lose despite best efforts suggests a disconnect between what the grassroots expect (development, fairness, delivery) and what is being offered-empty rhetoric.”
The die, he said, appears cast with the political game now reset to factory setting.
“And this definitely was bound to ignite fresh tactical moves from the ruling party to arrest the situation,” he stated.
Ruto is reported to had quitely avoided meeting his lieutenants from Gusii amid the embarrassing defeat.
Insiders say the president was greatly”upset with the luckustre performance by his foot soldiers despite pouring huge cash” into it.
“He has reason to be unhappy owing to the poor show my the people who promised him heaven,” Onsongo said.
UDA and in doubt deployed considerable resources — cash, promises, and high-level visits — in a concerted bid to “lock in” the votes ahead of 2027.
The residents in the respective affected Wards of Ekerenyo, Nyamira and Nyansingo where the by elections were held reported a “great harvest” ahead of Christmas.
Borabu is the home of Matiangi and was considered a focal point for UDA operatives who spent a fortune seducing the voters to back their own.
The win has now given birth to what locals are calling the “Matiang’i Wave” signalling possible hard time for YDA candidates in the coming polls if the trend persists.
In South Mugirango, for instance vocal UDA MP Sylivnus Osoro is fighting an underground offence to retain his seat amid a relentless from Sonko, a pro -Matiangi aspirant.
The scenes are the same in Nyaribari Chache and Bomachoge Chache where the respective MPs Zaheer Jhanda and Alfa Miruka have resorted charm offensive gimmicks.
In Nyaribari Chache, the Matiangi team is mulling a Richard Tongi, a former area MP , as the candidate to fight it out with Jhanda.
In Kitutu Chache North, Japhet is facing an Armageddon fight despite his sterling performance especially in infrastructure and schools.
It is a desperate attempt in the face of unrelenting wave by Matiangi.
“Matiang’i speaks about work, not drama. People are tired,” said Eunice Kwamboka, a shopkeeper at Etago.
Thomas Mogire, speaking at Masimba in Nyaribari Masaba said Matiang’i represents a narrative of “order, seriousness, and development,” .
“This is what we want. Here not even the last mile project is going on.. people have lost faith with Ruto,” he said.
The UDA lieutenants are confronting several difficulties among them-Perception of Neglect:
Many residents feel the area has not received adequate national attention despite being politically activities .
IInternal rivalries within the party appear to have weakened grassroots coordination.
The voters often compare the candidates unfavorably to Matiang’i’s reputation for decisiveness.
On Monday during an UDA meeting Jhanda said they were “campaigning against a legacy, not a person'”.
Jhanda vowed increased distribution of food parcels despite the criticism attached to it.
In Kisii, most candidates are repositioning their agendas to reflect themes strongly associated with Matiangi —discipline, anti-corruption, public service, and regional unity.
For Governorship, Matiangi appears to work well with former education CS Education Ezekiel Machogu.
Machogu was endorsed by the Jubilee Party officials for the seat despite nominations not done yet.
While it remains too early to predict electoral outcomes, one thing is increasingly clear: the political landscape in Gusii is undergoing a realignment.
Whether the so-called “Matiang’i Wave” will solidify into a long-term movement or fade as campaigns intensify is yet to be seen.
For now, UDA candidates appear to be swimming against a strong current—one propelled not by conventional party politics but by a personality whose imprint on the region remains unmistakable.
A section of the residents however say the growing list of unfinished government projects could complicate Ruto’s efforts to win back the region’s support.
From stalled roadworks to the Cancer Centre, locals argue that projects launched with fanfare during the early years of Ruto’s administration have yet to deliver the promised impact.
While some acknowledge progress in isolated areas, many insist that delays have created frustration and skepticism ahead of the 2027 polls.
One of the most visible projects under scrutiny is the Getengereirie-Ramasha- Rombaso Junction road in Nyaribari Masaba where construction was halted years ago, leaving large stretches impassable during heavy rains.
Traders say transportation costs have risen and travel times have doubled, hurting businesses already strained by the high cost of living.
“We were promised a modern road to ease movement, but what we have is machinery that came and disappeared,” said Jane Nyang’ate.
“If they want our votes, they must finish what they started.”
Despite the dissatisfaction, Ruto’s allies in the region remain optimistic.
They argue that most projects are on course and that the administration’s broader economic reforms will eventually yield results.
“We acknowledge the delays, but these are not abandoned projects,” said South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro. “Funds are being released in phases, and residents will soon see completion. The President is committed to Kisii.”
As campaigns gain momentum, the state of these projects is expected to feature prominently in local rallies. For many Kisii voters, the question will not be who promises the most, but who proves they can deliver.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
