Gusii leaders have backed Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i over the ongoing fake gold scandal, even as the powerful minister remained tight lipped over the matter.
On Monday, Minority Leader John Mbadi said there was a plan by DP William Ruto's team to impeach Matiang'i, adding that 'they are unhappy with his elevation' by President Uhuru Kenyatta to chair a powerful cabinet sub committee.
Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka on Tuesday said there are people who may be afraid of Matiang'i, since he could be Uhuru's surprise candidate in 2022 polls.
“Some people are very afraid that given that Dr Matiang’i is a performer, he might be picked by Uhuru as his preferred successor in 2022. That is why they want to fix him with the fake gold scandal,” said Onyonka as quoted by the Nation
Bomachoge Borabu MP Zedekiah Ogutu asked leaders from Nyamira and Kisii Counties to come together and defend Dr Matiang'i from onslaught waged by pro DP Ruto team.
“All elected leaders in Kisii and Nyamira counties are fully behind our son Dr Matiang’i who is doing a good job as Interior CS. Those fighting him are fighting the community,” said Ogutu.
On her part, Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi asked MPs to go slow on the matter, adding that investigative agencies should be given time to conclude on the matter at hand.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has never hidden his satisfaction with Matiang'i's work. In February, he showered praises to the minister when he toured Kisii County.
Should Matiang'i contest for Presidency, he will be the third from Abagusii community. Former Kitutu Masaba MP George Anyona tried his luck in 1992 and 1997. Powerful minister Simion Nyachae emerged third in 2002.