KISII, Kenya – Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has strongly refuted claims that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is engaging in behind-the-scenes talks with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Onyonka labeled the reports as baseless, politically motivated fabrications aimed at derailing the former CS’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“There is NO negotiation going on between Dr. Fred Matiang’i and anyone in government. The person purporting to speak for him is an impostor,” Onyonka posted.
🚫 POLITICAL SMEAR OR STRATEGIC DISTRACTION?
Onyonka dismissed the speculation as a deliberate move by political opponents to create confusion and sabotage Matiang’i’s positioning as a key opposition figure. He further stressed that Matiang’i’s alignment with the opposition was a conscious and principled decision — not a political accident.
“These rumours are nothing more than cheap propaganda, carefully crafted to mislead Kenyans and weaken support for a man who represents integrity and accountability,” Onyonka said.
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The Senator didn’t hold back in calling out Kisii Governor Simba Arati, accusing him of undermining opposition unity with what he termed “reckless and divisive rhetoric.”
“Simba Arati’s continuous attacks on opposition leaders — including Matiang’i — are self-serving and do not reflect the will of the Abagusii people,” he stated.
Onyonka insisted that such public attacks serve only to fracture the opposition at a critical time when unity is essential to presenting a formidable alternative in 2027.
📺 MATIANG’I BREAKS SILENCE ON HIS NEXT POLITICAL MOVES
Dr. Fred Matiang’i, who had largely kept a low profile after exiting office in 2022, recently resurfaced in a high-profile interview on Citizen TV, where he confirmed that he is holding consultations across the political divide.
However, Matiang’i made it crystal clear that no discussions were underway with the current regime — a statement that echoes Onyonka’s firm denial.
“I am in consultations with several political parties and leaders. If I publicly align myself with one now, I may alienate others I’m engaging,” Matiang’i said, clarifying that his political strategy is to build inclusive alliances.
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With Matiang’i positioning himself as a potential presidential contender, Onyonka’s response appears aimed at shielding him from early political mudslinging and attempts to dilute his credibility.
The Senator reaffirmed his support for Matiang’i’s ambitions and urged fellow leaders from the Gusii community to remain focused on unity, rather than engaging in internal power struggles.
