Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i drew a sea of humanity in the hometown of the late former minister Simeon Nyanchae.

This took place during the United Opposition’s tour of Gusii land on Monday, February 23, 2026, where the now Jubilee presidential flagbearer was accompanied by fellow principals within the opposition coalition, including DCP party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and his deputy George Natembeya.

Thousands of Keumbu locals, the hometown of the late Simeon Nyanchae, who was the last leader from the community to contest for the presidency in 2002, finishing third after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, turned out to welcome Matiang’i.

This marked the first day of the United Opposition tour, now rebranded as the United Alternative Government tour in the Gusii region.

Matiang’i’s Kisii spokesman coronation

During their initial stopover at Ekerenyo, Fred Matiang’i was endorsed and coronated by the Council of Elders to serve as the spokesperson of the Kisii community, granting him the authority to represent the 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.

The elders noted that in many situations they bless leaders with a spear, but in his case, they chose a stick to signify authority and peaceful leadership, emphasising that he was not going to war but seeking unity.

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.

Gachagua advising Kisii community

During the Keumbu stopover, Gachagua urged Gusii residents not to allow anyone to insult Matiang’i. He emphasised that for Matiang’i to gain respect nationally, his home region must set an 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.”

This comes at a time when Fred Matiang’i has been officially cleared by the Jubilee Party to be their presidential flagbearer and serve as their liaison within the United Opposition.

He also recently received a major boost after the Party of National Unity (PNU), through its leader Peter Munya, publicly backed his bid.