Junet Mohamed rubbishes Matiang’i as a would-be kingpin in Kisii politics, calling the former Interior Cabinet Secretary a “nursery kid” in the game who should start small, maybe as an MCA, before dreaming big. The Suna East MP didn’t hold back in a recent outburst that’s got folks in Gusii land and beyond chatting nonstop about who really calls the shots there ahead of 2027.
You know how Kenyan politics can get – all fire and spice, especially when big names start circling each other like boxers in the ring. Junet dropped this bomb during a rally in Kisii, where he was pumping up support for Governor Simba Arati. “Hawezi kuwa kingpin wa Wakisii,” he said flat out – he can’t be the kingpin of the Kisii people.
Then he twisted the knife: “Yeye kwa hii siasa ni kama mtoto wa nursery, angoje achaguliwe hata MCA kwanza, hawezi anzia huko juu!” Basically, Matiang’i’s like a toddler in politics; let him get elected as a ward rep first before aiming for the stars.
Ouch. And to top it off, Junet hailed Arati as the real deal – “Simba Arati ni mtu wa nguvu, amechaguliwa Nairobi mara mbili na bado amechaguliwe Kisii!” The guy’s been elected MP in Nairobi twice and now runs Kisii like a boss.
This isn’t coming out of nowhere. Fred Matiang’i’s been lurking in the shadows since leaving government, with whispers he’s eyeing a big comeback – maybe governor or even higher. He’s got that no-nonsense rep from his CS days, cracking down on everything from exam cheats to rowdy politicians.
Folks in Kisii remember him fondly for pushing education reforms and infrastructure in the region. But elective politics? That’s a whole different beast. He’s never run for office, never faced the voters directly. Junet’s point hits home there – you can’t just parachute in from Cabinet meetings and claim the throne. Start at the bottom, build your base, earn those votes.
Arati, on the other hand, is the street-smart fighter. He cut his teeth as Dagoretti North MP, winning twice in a tough Nairobi spot where ODM’s strong. Then he jumped to Kisii in 2022 and snatched the governorship from the jaws of Kenya Kwanza.
He’s been busy since – fixing roads in places like Keroka, pushing for better hospitals in Nyamira, and keeping that fiery Orange Democratic Movement spirit alive. Junet’s his buddy in the party, and this praise feels like a shield against any Matiang’i challenge. ODM’s betting big on Arati to hold the fort in Gusii, especially with Raila Odinga eyeing the African Union gig and leaving a vacuum at home.
Social media’s blowing up over this. One clip from the rally’s got over 50,000 views already, with comments splitting down party lines. Some Kisii folks are backing Matiang’i, saying his experience trumps Arati’s “hustle.” “Dr. Fred brought real change as CS – schools, security. Arati’s just noise,” one user posted.
Others side with Junet: “Matiang’i should prove himself first. Simba’s won battles on the ground.” It’s classic regional rivalry, with clans and alliances adding layers. Remember, Kisii and Nyamira counties are ODM strongholds, but Ruto’s been courting them with projects like the new university campus in Kisii town.
Matiang’i hasn’t responded yet – he’s kept a low profile since 2022, popping up for charity events or quiet meetings. But insiders say he’s testing waters, meeting elders and youth groups. If he jumps in, it could split the Gusii vote, handing an edge to Kenya Kwanza.
Junet’s jab might be preemptive, trying to clip his wings early. After all, ODM’s regrouping for 2027, with fresh blood like young MPs pushing for change. They don’t want a wildcard like Matiang’i messing up their plans.
Politicos in Nairobi are watching closely too. Azimio’s got its own headaches – unity cracks after the Gen Z protests last year, and Ruto’s economic tweaks like lower fuel prices are winning some points. If Matiang’i aligns with opposition or goes independent, it shakes things up. But Junet’s message is clear: Stay in your lane, doc. Politics ain’t for rookies.
For everyday Kisii residents, this drama’s more than entertainment. They want leaders who deliver – better jobs for the youth, reliable water in rural spots, markets for their tea and bananas. Arati’s got a track record, but complaints about stalled projects linger.
Matiang’i promises gravitas, but without votes under his belt, it’s a gamble. As one tea farmer in Borabu told me last week, “We need action, not titles. Whoever brings development gets my X.”
Junet’s words might sting, but they spotlight a bigger truth in Kenyan politics: Experience counts, but so does grit. Will Matiang’i step up and prove the doubters wrong? Or will Arati roar louder and keep his turf? With 2027 inching closer, Gusii’s in for a wild ride. One thing’s sure – more fireworks ahead. Stay tuned, folks; this story’s just heating up.