Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has openly thrown his weight behind former Cabinet Secretary and presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i, describing him as the kind of leader who can offer Kenya the accountability and responsibility it urgently needs.

Speaking during a church service at St. Peter’s Parish in Elburgon on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Nakuru County, the Kisii senator said Kenyans are yearning for leaders who can provide real solutions to the country’s challenges instead of empty promises.

“I joined Dr. Fred Matiang’i for a church service at St. Peter’s Parish, Elburgon, Nakuru County. This country needs diligent and responsible leaders who are going to give accountable solutions to the challenges we are facing,” Onyonka posted on his official X account shortly after the service.

Onyonka went further during his remarks to the congregation, urging Matiang’i to commit himself to deep reforms if he seeks higher office. He particularly pressed on two key areas—education and land justice, which he said remain the biggest concerns for ordinary Kenyans.

“Mheshimiwa Fred Matiang’i, ukiwa Rais wa Kenya uhakikishe kwamba umewapa Wakenya free education,” Onyonka said, insisting that free education would guarantee equal opportunities for all children regardless of their background.

The Kisii Senator also highlighted land injustices, particularly in Elburgon, accusing powerful individuals of grabbing land and displacing local communities. He challenged Matiang’i to address the issue head-on if he ascends to the presidency.

“Pia hapa Elburgon, ile mashamba inabiwa ovyo ovyo na kupanda ngano ukate na uhakikishe umerudisha mashamba kwa wenyeji. Ukiwa Rais wa Kenya tena uheshimu katiba ya Kenya. Tunataka ubadilishe Kenya ambayo wengine wameharibu,” Onyonka said, drawing loud applause from the faithful present.

His remarks are likely to intensify speculation about Matiang’i’s political future. While Matiang’i has maintained a low political profile since leaving government, his public appearances, often in the company of elected leaders like Onyonka, continue to spark debate about whether he is preparing for a comeback ahead of 2027.

Onyonka’s endorsement comes at a time when the country’s political landscape is shifting, with leaders across the divide beginning to reposition themselves for the next general election. His call for free education, land reforms, and accountable governance paints Matiang’i as a potential alternative for Kenyans frustrated with the current state of leadership.

The Kisii Senator concluded his remarks by urging Kenyans to demand better from their leaders and to support those committed to genuine change.

“This country deserves leaders who are diligent, responsible, and ready to give accountable solutions. That is the Kenya we want,” he emphasised.

If Matiang’i decides to vie for the presidency, Onyonka’s rallying call could mark the beginning of a stronger political base for him in both Kisii and across the Rift Valley, where issues of land and education remain deeply emotive.