Matiang’i Ally Dismisses Claims of Secret Talks with Ruto Government
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has firmly denied claims that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is secretly engaging in negotiations to join President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Senator Onyonka condemned the reports as fake, deceptive, and driven by political interests.
“There are absolutely NO negotiations taking place between Dr. Fred Matiang’i and any official or representative from the current government. The individual who is pretending to speak on his behalf is a complete impostor,” part of the senator’s message read.
This strong denial follows widespread rumours suggesting that Matiang’i, who was a powerful figure in the former Jubilee government, could be planning a political shift in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
Senator Onyonka made it clear that Matiang’i’s support for the opposition was deliberate and guided by principle. He warned certain political actors against distorting the intentions of the former CS.
According to Onyonka, the claims about secret meetings are part of a bigger plan meant to tarnish Matiang’i’s name and create confusion among his political base. He insisted that this misinformation is a deliberate attempt to weaken Matiang’i’s influence and mislead the public.
The senator also took the opportunity to criticise Kisii Governor Simba Arati, accusing him of contributing to division within the opposition by launching unprovoked verbal attacks on senior leaders.
“Governor Simba Arati’s careless and public criticism of the former Deputy President and other top opposition leaders is not a reflection of what the Abagusii people want. If we genuinely support Matiang’i’s future presidential bid, then we must shield his name from such politically damaging remarks,” Senator Onyonka stated.
Onyonka was responding to recent comments made by Governor Arati, who had spoken critically about some opposition leaders. Matiang’i has been closely associated with these leaders since he publicly expressed interest in contesting the presidency in 2027.
Although Dr. Matiang’i has largely kept away from the limelight since he left office, he recently appeared in an interview on Citizen TV where he shared that he has been engaging various political parties in consultations.
However, he did not mention any discussions or contacts with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, reinforcing the senator’s statement that no such talks are happening.
“I have been consulting with a number of political parties and leaders across the political spectrum. To be honest, if I were to announce my support for just one party at this point, I might end up excluding others I’m still in discussions with,” Matiang’i said during the Tuesday interview.
His remarks echoed Senator Onyonka’s firm rejection of the rumours and underlined that any political move Matiang’i makes will be done openly and with careful consideration—not in secret negotiations.
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