Final preparations were in high gear across Kisii and Nyamira counties on Friday morning ahead of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s much-anticipated Gusii region tour.

The former CS held an early morning strategy meeting with local leaders at his Simbauti Farm residence in Borabu, Nyamira County, to plan for the day-long series of events.

Fred Matiang’i kicks off Gusii region tour with stopover in Kijauri, Nyamira, he will be in a day-long meet-the-people tour as he lays ground for a possible 2027 presidential bid.

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He made the first stopover in Kijauri area of Borabu, Nyamira County.

A spot check by The Standard revealed heightened activity in several locations expected to host public gatherings.

In Kisii town, a technical team was seen setting up a public address system and decorating the dais in United Progressive Alliance party colors at the Kisii Capital roundabout.

While it remains unclear whether Matiang’i will declare a 2027 presidential bid during the tour, posters and branded vehicles in his convoy have hinted at a possible candidacy.

According to Team Matiang’i Secretariat, the ‘meet-the-people’ convoy is scheduled to make stopovers in multiple towns across the Gusii region, including Kijauri, Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii Town, and Nyamira.

Leaders from various political affiliations are expected to accompany Matiang’i, as he seeks to reconnect with grassroots supporters and potentially position himself as the community’s spokesperson.

On Tuesday, Matiang’i met with other opposition leaders in what could a process of coalition building for an alliance to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

The Karen meeting was attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People Liberation Party’s Martha Karua and Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa among other leaders 

“Dr Matiang’i will be accompanied by all elected leaders from the Gusii region, including Governors Simba Arati and Amos Nyaribo, Senators Momoima Onyonka and Okong’o Omogeni, as well as Members of Parliament and Members of County Assemblies,” the secretariat said in a statement.

Matiang’i quietly returned to the country last month, and has largely avoided public political engagements since.