Nyamira Senator Okongo o Mogeni Friday fired a salvo warning President William Ruto against any plot to use state security machinery to frustrate former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi from vying for president.
The right to seek elective seats in the land, stated Omogeni, was enshrined in the Constitution and thus guarantees Matiangi all the basic freedoms to be in the ballot like any other candidates.
“I am one of the people who eagerly looks forward to a fair and credible poll ,where no candidate would be tossed around as he goes about the business of seeking a political seat.”
“President Ruto knows what he went through himself when he was a deputy presudent but survived because of the same constitution, so nobody should use state machinery to scare anybody around,” he stated.
Matiang’i returned to the country Thursday night after long speculations about the date he was due for return and announce his bid.
He is yet to make any personal public statement regarding any bid for higher office save pronouncements from disiparare political outfits.
Two parties-United Progressive Alliance Party and the Jubilee Patty -that are currently scrambling to have him vie on their tickets have, however, separately endorsed him for presidency.
Speaking in Kisii, UPA Secretary General Jacob Bagaka said Matiangi as the founder of the party would vie for presidency on its ticket.
“For the avoidance of doubt we assure Kenyans that Matiangi shall run using our party ticket,” he told reporters during a recent Party national executive committee meeting at a Kisii Hotel.
The sentiments were echoed by Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo who led the party officials in endorsing a change of party livery and slogan.
Bagaka said UPA remainder accomodative of like minded outfits willing to fight together for a Matiangi presidency.
“No willing party or coalition would be left out,any body ready to back our candidates is welcome,” he said.
And speaking in Nairobi shortly after Matiangi jetted into the country, Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said Matiangi would make a declaration in the not distant future about his presidential ambition.
“That would come soon,” he stated.
He emphasized Matiang’i’s extensive experience in public service, highlighting his roles in implementing key programs such as Huduma Namba, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and reforms in the education sector.
In Kisii, preparations were by last week afoot to host Matiangi for a special home coming event at Gusii Stadium.
Each Ward has already been been tasked to send at least 300 attendees when the date is announced.
On Friday, Omogeni said while the community was solidly supporting Matiangi, his candidacy transcends county boundaries.
He is a national figure with all the qualities needed to shepherd this country delicately out of the rut it is in currently.
“Nothing is functional, people are hurting by the punitive policies of Ruto, even the so called Social Health Authority health schemes are not working. Someone is needed to fix this,” Omogeni who was speaking during the burial of Druscilla Ogega at Tidereti said.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com or WhatsApp +254707482874