Raila speaks on backing Matiang’i in 2022

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Friday responded to a section of Gusii leaders who were putting pressure on him to support Interior CS Fred Matiang’i in the 2022 Presidential race.

Speaking during the burial of former Nyaribari Masaba MP Hezron Manduku, Odinga noted that it is too early to start campaigning for 2022 and it will only derail the country.

"Matiang’i is my son and I know he deserves the best. It is not yet time to start politicking and that is why we are against early political statements that will derail our country’s development agenda.

“Let him undertake his duties. The country must remain united before we get down to think of political formations.

“We have the handshake that is key in uniting Kenyans and fighting corruption,” said Raila.

Interestingly, Matiang’i, who was also in attendance, said he knows what the Gusii people want him to say but he will save it for the right time.

“It's my time to work. If it's closing all bars to count people, that is it and we mean business. I know you want me to say something, but I will say when its right time comes.

"I must work very hard so that I don't shame my God and my community at large.

“Let’s always work in truth and serve this country," added the CS.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae and his Nyamira counterpart John Nyagarama asked Odinga to work with Matiang’i and teach him ‘a number of tricks of good leadership.’