Matiang'i calls for united Nyanza as he courts Raila's base

Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i speaking about pressing issues ahead of Thursday's by-elections, November 24, 2025. /FRED MATIANG'I/X

Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has stepped up efforts to consolidate political support in the Nyanza region, calling for unity among the Luo and Gusii communities.

He appears to be positioning himself to inherit the political bastions of former ODM leader Raila Odinga (deceased).

Matiang’i emphasised the need for a more united Nyanza, drawing parallels with the cohesion witnessed during Raila’s political peak. He spoke during an interview on Ramogi FM.

“Raila, when he was alive, did not divide us as Luo Nyanza or Kisii Nyanza. We should not allow politics to divide us,” he said.

Matiang’i said the strength of the region has historically stemmed from solidarity among its communities, particularly the Luo and Abagusii.

The Jubilee deputy party leader argued that restoring that unity would not only bolster the region’s bargaining power in national politics but also safeguard its development interests.

His remarks are widely seen as part of a broader strategy to win over Raila’s traditional support base amid shifting political alignments.

Matiang’i also criticised what he termed growing government inaction in addressing insecurity and political interference in law enforcement.

“There is clear laxity on the side of the government in dealing with goonism,” he said, warning that failure to act decisively is emboldening criminal elements.

Matiang'i said even within the police service, there is recognition of external pressure.

“Police officers themselves acknowledge that politicians are interfering with their work. That undermines professionalism and the rule of law,” he said.

Matiang'i expressed concern over rising incidents of armed youth groups in parts of the country.

“I see young people in some areas walking around with arrows and bows. We have seen cases in Kisii and Kisumu. That is not normal, and it points to a breakdown in order,” he said.

According to Matiang’i, accountability must be enforced without fear or favour.

“People should be called to account. We cannot continue covering up for individuals simply because they are politically connected,” he added.

Addressing past controversies, he referenced the Ruaraka land case, clarifying the institutional roles involved.

“That matter was between the National Land Commission and those who claimed ownership. The commission is an independent body, and such disputes should be handled within the framework of the law,” Matiang’i said.

He reiterated the need to respect constitutional institutions and allow them to function without interference as a way of restoring public confidence.

Matiang’i, also raised alarm over what he described as unprecedented levels of corruption in the country, saying public frustration has reached a breaking point.

“The nation is grappling with historic and pervasive corruption, leading to widespread public fatigue,” he said.

“Let’s tell each other the truth. The level of corruption and theft of public resources has reached a historic high. It has never been this bad in our country.”

Matiang’i pointed to recent media reports as evidence of the growing crisis.

“When you wake up in the morning, you go through the papers—I saw a headline in one of the local dailies about an unseasoned entity being paid Sh10 billion for some form of government work.”

He emphasised that addressing corruption requires realism rather than moral posturing.

“Look, I am not from Mars or from heaven. I am not a holy person. We should not approach this issue as if we are bringing heavenly solutions,” he said.

“The reason regulations, the law, the constitution and institutions exist is so that everyone understands their limits and responsibilities.”

INSTANT ANALYSIS 

The Jubilee deputy party leader argued that restoring unity would not only bolster the region’s bargaining power in national politics but also safeguard its development interests. His remarks are widely seen as part of a broader strategy to win over Raila’s traditional support base amid shifting political alignments.