Caleb Amisi Takes a Swipe at Kalonzo After Matiang’i Draws a Mammoth Crowd at His Homecoming

Caleb Amisi Takes a Swipe at Kalonzo After Matiang’i Draws a Mammoth Crowd at His Homecoming

Saboti Member of Parliament (MP), Caleb Amisi, has called on Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to follow the example of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i by taking his political message directly to the people through rallies.

This call came in the wake of Matiang’i’s successful tour of Nyamira and Kisii counties, where his rallies drew massive crowds and captured national attention. The outpouring of support during the rallies raised speculation about Matiang’i’s political ambitions and the potential shift in Kenya’s political landscape.

Amisi, a vocal legislator known for his outspoken remarks on social media, urged leaders from the opposition—including Kalonzo, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi—to emulate Matiang’i’s grassroots approach to mobilization. He expressed his frustration with their reliance on press briefings held behind closed doors, suggesting that true political engagement happens in public, not in boardrooms.

In a post on his social media, Amisi addressed his fellow political figures, saying, “To our friends, @skmusyoka @MarthaKarua, @EugeneLWamalwa and @HonJBMuturi look at #Matiangi rallies in Kisii and Nyamira.” He emphasized that political figures aiming to challenge the current administration must first prove their ability to attract substantial support in their own regions, just as Matiang’i had done.

He continued, advising opposition leaders to take their messages beyond press conferences: “That electric reception must be seen in your respective strongholds. It is what created the Narc wave that sent Moi’s 24-year system home. Not press conferences and photo sessions. Kenya needs a renaissance.”

Amisi’s comments reflect the growing momentum around Matiang’i’s political moves, particularly following his official announcement that he intends to run for president in the 2027 General Election. His declaration, made at a rally on May 2, confirmed what had long been speculated—that Matiang’i is preparing for a political showdown with President William Ruto, who is expected to run for a second term.

The rally in Kisii Town was a highly charged event, marking the culmination of Matiang’i’s homecoming tour that began in Kijauri and included stops in Nyamira, Keroka, and Keumbu. Due to overwhelming crowds, the event had to be relocated from the Kisii Capital Roundabout to the larger Gusii Stadium, where thousands of residents had gathered, bringing Kisii’s business activity to a standstill as Matiang’i’s motorcade passed through.

Amisi, in his remarks, questioned the opposition’s current strategy of holding press conferences rather than engaging with the public directly. His criticism is rooted in his belief that real political engagement is about mobilizing people on the ground, not relying on media briefings that often fail to resonate with ordinary citizens.

Matiang’i, during his rally, made it clear that he was committed to running for president, confirming his resignation from his current World Bank position within three weeks to focus entirely on his presidential campaign. This decision marks a significant step in Matiang’i’s political journey, as he seeks to position himself as an alternative to the current government.

In his speech, Matiang’i emphasized the need for a leadership that combines integrity with decisive action, stating that Kenya is in desperate need of a leader who can tackle national challenges head-on and restore public trust in governance. Known for his firm stance during his tenure in the Jubilee administration, Matiang’i framed himself as a reformist candidate who would confront issues such as corruption and inefficiency in government, advocating for a more transparent and accountable leadership style.

Matiang’i’s remarks were aimed at both the current government and opposition figures, signaling that his presidential ambitions are not just about seeking office but about offering a stark contrast to what he perceives as the failed leadership of the current administration. His candidacy is expected to shake up the 2027 election, as he brings a different set of values and experiences to the political table.

Amisi’s challenge to Kalonzo and other opposition leaders to take their messages directly to the people aligns with a broader sentiment within the opposition that it is time for a more grassroots approach to politics. Amisi’s comments resonate with those who believe that the future of Kenya’s politics depends on engaging the masses, not just through traditional political structures but by connecting with them on a personal level in rallies and public engagements.

In conclusion, Caleb Amisi’s challenge to Kalonzo Musyoka and other political leaders signals a shift in how political campaigns are conducted in Kenya. With Matiang’i’s rising prominence in the race for the presidency, it seems clear that his approach of direct engagement with the people is gaining traction. As the 2027 General Election approaches, the question remains whether other opposition leaders will heed Amisi’s advice and follow the example set by Matiang’i or continue with their traditional methods of mobilization.

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Caleb Amisi Takes a Swipe at Kalonzo After Matiang’i Draws a Mammoth Crowd at His Homecoming