MP Silvanus Osoro Forced to Shut Down Comments to Contain Damage After Dig at Matiang’i’s Presidential Bid Backfires
As Kenya gradually approaches the 2027 General Election, political undercurrents are beginning to surface, with early signs of potential rivalries already taking shape. One such instance has recently stirred national attention, following a controversial social media post by South Mugirango Member of Parliament, Silvanus Osoro.
The outspoken legislator found himself at the centre of a heated online storm after he publicly mocked former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s recently announced intention to run for the presidency. What began as an attempt to diminish the seriousness of Matiang’i’s ambitions quickly escalated into a public relations misstep that saw Osoro become the target of widespread criticism.
In his now-deactivated Facebook post, Osoro downplayed Matiang’i’s entry into the 2027 political landscape, likening the excitement around his candidacy to a “paper fire” — an allusion to something that flares up briefly but burns out just as fast. He argued that despite Matiang’i’s efforts to project himself as a viable presidential candidate, his influence and momentum were unlikely to endure.
Osoro’s critique did not stop at mere skepticism. In a pointed commentary, he outlined what he described as the only plausible paths available to the former Cabinet Secretary. According to him, Matiang’i would either declare his support for President William Ruto, quietly leave the country for an extended period, or reemerge as a peripheral figure in an opposition coalition.
“Three possible moves: To soon declare support for WSR (William Samoei Ruto), to leave the country quietly for another six months or more, [or] when back after six months, be a ‘principal’ of some school — oops, sorry — of an opposition coalition,” Osoro wrote, blending sarcasm with cynicism.
Adding further sting to his post, the MP accused Matiang’i of orchestrating an elaborate but futile public relations campaign to rehabilitate his image. Osoro claimed that the former CS was investing heavily in media teams, sound engineers, and image consultants in a bid to project presidential gravitas. “Even investing in good sound, a media team, or even image consultants — it is impossible,” he scoffed, suggesting that no amount of rebranding could salvage Matiang’i’s political future.
Beyond casting doubt on his strategies, Osoro questioned Matiang’i’s personal character and political fortitude. He labelled him a coward and dismissed his support base as superficial, arguing that he lacked the grassroots appeal required to mount a credible presidential campaign. He also claimed to be receiving updates from constituents and allies who, he asserted, found Matiang’i’s popularity to be “grossly exaggerated.”
However, the MP’s remarks did not go unchallenged. Almost immediately after the post went live, a significant portion of Kenyans took to his Facebook page to express their disapproval. Many viewed Osoro’s statements as disrespectful and unnecessarily antagonistic, especially toward a figure who had held one of the most powerful ministerial portfolios in the previous administration.
The backlash was swift and intense. Supporters of Dr. Matiang’i, as well as neutral observers, accused Osoro of engaging in petty politics and attempting to undermine a potential contender through ridicule rather than reasoned debate. They also questioned the timing and tone of his remarks, arguing that they reflected insecurity rather than confidence.
Faced with mounting criticism, Osoro eventually disabled the comment section of his post, in what appeared to be an attempt to contain the damage. Nonetheless, screenshots of the original post continued to circulate widely on social media, fueling ongoing discussion about decorum and maturity in political discourse.
This dramatic online exchange took place shortly after Dr. Matiang’i made his first public declaration of interest in the presidency during a well-attended homecoming tour in Kisii County. The former CS, who has been serving with the World Bank in a senior advisory role, received a warm welcome from both local leaders and residents. Many described him as a man of integrity, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of national governance.
Speaking during the event, Matiang’i announced that he would resign from his World Bank position within three weeks to begin his presidential campaign in earnest. He told his supporters that his decision was driven by a profound sense of duty and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.
“There is a great need for honest, principled, and effective leadership in this country,” he said. “I have heard the voices of the people. I believe I have what it takes to lead Kenya in a better direction.”
Matiang’i emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in leadership and outlined his commitment to tackling economic hardships, promoting transparency, and ensuring the rule of law.
As the 2027 election season slowly gathers momentum, this early clash between two prominent figures — one a sitting MP, the other a former high-ranking minister — offers a glimpse into the tone and intensity that may define the political contest ahead. While Silvanus Osoro’s post may have been intended as a moment of sharp political commentary, the public reaction it triggered serves as a reminder of the high stakes and sensitivities surrounding Kenya’s leadership transition.
In the coming months, more figures are expected to declare their intentions, and the political landscape will continue to evolve. What remains clear is that the Kenyan electorate is watching closely — and responding swiftly — to both political vision and political rhetoric.
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MP Silvanus Osoro Forced to Shut Down Comments to Contain Damage After Dig at Matiang’i’s Presidential Bid Backfires
