“We have won all three by-elections in Nyamira – a clear confirmation that (Fred) Matiang’i remains the undisputed Gusii kingpin.” This was the trending message posted on Facebook and other social media platforms as soon as the announcement of the mini-poll results.
The recent by-elections in Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo and Nyansiongo – triggered loud celebrations among supporters of Matiang’i exuberant supporters. Their win was framed as proof of a rising Gusii political centre outside government.
It signalledashiftinthepoliticsoftheregionwiththeirsonleadingthemtoremovePresident William Ruto – and ultimately occupying the House on the Hill.
Manyotherssawitasasignalthatthecommunityisdriftingintoopposition. That reading is dangerous.
For generations, the Abagusii have survived politically by refusing isolation. They have always spread their bets—across parties, across levels of leadership, across presidentialcandidates.Thiswasnotindecision.Itwassmartpolitics.Itcamefrom a community that is diverse, independent and entrepreneurial.
The ‘our son’ wave is not new. In 2002, Simeon Nyachae rode a similar tide, sweeping every parliamentary seat in Gusii. Yet he still finished third in the presidentialrace.
Thecommunitylearnedanimportantlesson:neverlockyourself into one camp, and never walk too far from government. When the Narc fallout came, Gusii leaders moved swiftly back to the centre of power.
Thatinstinctprotectedusthen.Itmustguideusnow.
Unlike communities with large numbers and entrenched political machines—the Kikuyu,KalenjinandLuo – theAbagusiicannotsurvivelongstretchesinopposition. We do not have the luxury of a monolithic vote, a homegrown national party or the numerical weight to dictate outcomes.
Ourstrengthhasalwaysbeenengagement,notisolation.
Today, some are pushing the community toward a political corner, backed by vaguepromisesfrompowerfulneighbourswhosuddenlyclaimtheywillsupporta Gusii presidential bid. But what bargaining power do we really have in that arrangement?Whatguaranteesexistbeyondsentiment?
Hardtruth:none.
Yes, we must express our aspirations. Yes, we must demand our fair share of national leadership. But abandoning government is a high-risk gamble with no safety net. Others are fighting to get in. Why should we walk out?
Opposition is a legitimate role, but only when you have the numbers, the ideology and the structure to withstand the political and economic cold. The Abagusiihavenone oftheseat scale.
Nyachae understood this well. His philosophy was simple: stay close to power, work with all sides and secure benefits for the community through engagement, not defiance. That wisdom remains relevant, especially as the country heads toward 2027, with all signs pointing to Ruto securing a second term.
Walking blindly into the Opposition now is walking into a cul-de-sac—a political dead end that will shrink our influence, stall development and weaken future generations.
TheAbagusiimuststayengaged.Staystrategic.Stayatthetable.
Becausenocommunityprospersfrompoliticalisolation.Andcertainlynotus.
The writer is the former president of Football Kenya Federation
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