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Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has firmly pushed back against President William Ruto, warning the executive that verbal attacks and political hostility directed at former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i will not deter the Gusii region from backing his prospective 2027 presidential candidacy.
Addressing political supporters and media representatives, Senator Onyonka stated that attempts by the ruling administration to vilify opposition leaders or belittle regional political stalwarts would backfire.
The lawmaker emphasized that voter resolve within the region remains steadfast, asserting that insults from government figures only serve to deepen local solidarity around Matiang’i’s national leadership ambitions.
The Kisii legislator criticized the head of state for using public forums to launch political broadsides against potential competitors rather than focusing on pressing socio-economic challenges, including high living costs, rising taxation, and unfulfilled development pledges across Nyanza and the South Rift.
Onyonka argued that the democratic right of citizens to choose their preferred leaders remains absolute, adding that no amount of political coercion or intimidation from state officers will alter the political trajectory of the electorate.
The defense comes amid heightened political realignments as opposition figures, civic leaders, and regional representatives solidify grassroots support networks ahead of the next general election.
Matiang’i, who served in key ministerial portfolios under the previous administration, has emerged as a central political figure for regional unity and a prominent contender seeking to challenge the current administration.
Onyonka called on the government to foster a fair political environment where all democratic actors can present their policies freely without facing state-sponsored hostility or public ridicule.
He reiterated that the Gusii community, alongside like-minded national allies, will make independent electoral choices based on track records, governance capability, and long-term economic development rather than compliance with executive directives.
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