Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Gusii residents not to tolerate any leader insulting Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i.

Speaking during a roadside rally in Keroka town on Monday, February 23, 2026, as part of their three-day United Opposition rally in the Gusii region, the outspoken Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader emphasised that the only way Matiang’i can be respected nationwide is if his home region in Gusii sets the example.

“Mimi nataka tukubaliane; ndio mimi niende nitembeze Matiang’i Mlimani aende akutane na his cousin. Ndiyo watu wa Mlima wamuheshimu, lazima aheshimike hapa nyumbani. Sitaki mkubali watoto wadogo wakuje watusi Matiang’i.”

He further called on the Kisii region to unite behind Matiang’i.

Matiang’i’s kisii elder coronation

This comes after Fred Matiang’i’s coronation as a Kisii elder and community spokesman.

The coronation ceremony was held at Ekerenyo Grounds in Nyamira County on Monday, February 23, 2026, where United Opposition leaders were present.

The Kisii elders moved to bless Matiang’i and handed him traditional instruments symbolising his new role as the voice of the Abagusii community on the national platform.

The elders first gave Matiang’i a special cloth to symbolise his new status in the Kisii community.

They explained that although they could have given him a traditional skin, they instead chose to bless him with special attire.

They also presented him with headgear, symbolising power and his new responsibility, an honour reserved for elders of his calibre and leadership standing.

Matiang’i was also given a stick.

He was further handed a whisk, which the elders told him he should use to greet his people during major ceremonies.

The elders then invited a religious leader to pray and bless the instruments that had been bestowed upon Matiang’i.

Finally, they formally released him by handing him over to the United Opposition principals and allowing him to traverse the country in search of votes.

Blessing Matiang’i

The principals, who have rebranded their movement as the United Alternative Government, shook their hands as he held the instruments of authority given to him by the elders.

After receiving the blessings, Matiang’i thanked the elders for the gesture and assured them that he would not take the responsibility lightly.