For almost 17 years now, politicians from Abagusii community have reignited the debate on unity, with 2022 presidential polls around the corner.

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Interestingly, the debate has been anchored around powerful Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i, who a number of senior leaders want to unite the community for a common purpose.

Since 2002 when Simeon Nyachae contested for Presidency, the Abagusii people have approached politics in a liberal manner, with virtually all top presidential candidates getting votes from the region.

The octogenarian retired from politics in 2007 after losing to little known Dr Robert Monda. He has rarely made public appearances since then.

But pressure has now turned to Do Fred Matiang'i to carry the mantle, after years of misdirection, internal squabbles and more importantly, ODM dominance in the region.

A group of politicians led by Senator Okong'o Mogeni have united behind Matiang'i, arguing that he's fit to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"He has done a good job and that's why the president has elevated him. As a community, let's unite behind him so that we can have a better chance in 2002," Mogeni had said.

So intense have been the calling that even opposition leader Raila Odinga, who enjoys fanatic following from the region, asked politicians to stop giving Matiang'i pressure.

"Matiang'i is like my son. I know what he wants. Let's stop giving him pressure. Allow him to first do his job. When the right time comes, we shall see what to do," he said during Dr Hezron Manduku's funeral.

The interior minister was recently promoted by President Uhuru Kenyatta to head implementation of the government projects, a post that makes him chair cabinet meetings at times.

In his recent public appearance at Nyamira during the burial of billionaire entrepreneur Stephen Mogeni, Matiang'i insisted that he's ready to work with everyone.

"The most important thing is working together. I have no issues with all our leaders. Let's put the interest of our people first," he said.

Mzee Nyachae joined goverment in 60s as an administrator before rising ranks to Head of Civil Service and Secretary to Cabinet. He joined politics in 1992, winning Nyaribari Chache seat.

Like Nyachae, Matiang'i is also a civil servant who has risen ranks to President Uhuru Kenyatta's most trusted cabinet minister. At one point, he served as Nyachae's personal assistant.

"Mzee is not feeling well. He couldn't make it to the funeral. It was his wish to attend in person but he has excused himself," Matiang'i told Mogeni family.

Despite his plans to plunge into politics, Matiang'i is also facing resistance from a section of politicians with South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro being one of the critics.

The youthful legislator has in the past potrayed Matiang'i as a bully, who does not have interest of the people at heart, a message that is however yet to attract masses.

"He has never been elected to any post leave alone being a cattle dip chairman. He's one of arrogant people I know. After all I've never heard him say he's contesting," Osoro said.

To match Nyachae, Matiang'i, who is closely related to the octogenarian, will now have to unite all Abagusii community before 2022 polls, a task that is already facing hurdles.

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