By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 27 October 2025 - Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Monday led a high-powered delegation of leaders from the Gusii region to Bondo to mourn with the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The visit came amid growing speculation about Dr Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions and was seen as both a gesture of condolence and a calculated political statement.
Dr Matiang’i, who was a close confidante of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and a long-time political student of Raila Odinga, was accompanied by former Cabinet ministers Sam Ongeri and Chris Obure, Kisii Senator Zachary Onyonka, several former Members of County Assembly, and professionals from the region.
The delegation was received at the Odinga home by the widow, Mama Ida Odinga.
"We laid wreaths in memory of a hero, an icon and a leader whose resilience, selflessness and courage continue to inspire us to reflect on our contribution towards making this great nation better," Dr Matiang'i said.
The visit highlighted the deep historical and political ties between the Gusii community and the Luos, particularly the Odinga family.
For decades, the Gusii region has been a strong base of support for Odinga, and Matiang’i’s move to lead the delegation reaffirmed that connection while signaling his intention to position himself as a national figure capable of uniting regions that have traditionally aligned with the opposition leader.
Political observers view the visit as part of Matiang’i’s broader effort to re-enter the national political arena after maintaining a low profile since leaving government in 2022.
His public reemergence, especially alongside veteran politicians such as Prof Ongeri and Mr Obure, suggests a strategy to consolidate his political base in Gusii while projecting statesmanship at the national level.
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His relationship with both Kenyatta and the late Odinga has long shaped his political trajectory.
During his tenure in government, he was often perceived as a bridge between the two leaders during the “Handshake” era, when the former president and the then opposition chief sought to stabilise the country’s political climate.
His latest appearance in Bondo reinforces his identity as a figure rooted in that alliance and capable of building consensus across political divides.
Senator Onyonka’s participation in the visit added weight to the Gusii delegation, signaling an attempt to unite the region’s often fragmented leadership.
The presence of professionals and grassroots leaders underscored the community’s collective expression of solidarity and respect toward the Odinga family.
While the visit was officially a condolence mission, its timing and symbolism could not be ignored.
As Matiang’i continues to lay the groundwork for a possible 2027 presidential bid, such gestures may serve to rekindle his connections with key political allies and communities aligned with Odinga’s legacy.
In mourning with the Odinga family, Matiang’i not only paid tribute to a mentor, but also reminded the country of his enduring relevance in Kenya’s evolving political landscape—a calculated blend of empathy and political positioning.
Matiang’i Leads Gusii Leaders to Bondo in Show of Unity as He Eyes Presidency
Matiang’i Leads Kisii and Nyamira Leaders to Bondo in Show of Unity as He Eyes Presidency
