Matiang'i: I want to unite with DP allies

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has offered to be reconciled with Gusii MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto following what he termed constant disagreements and quarreling.

Speaking at Obwari Catholic Church in North Mugirango Constituency yesterday, the CS offered an olive branch to area leaders, but added that the government would not relent in its quest to rein in those keen on dividing Kenyans.

"What the government has always stood against is the newest culture of dividing people in the country. No one can allow that to happen where there is rule of law. If there are any disagreements between us, there are elders among us here in the Gusii community who can reconcile us and that is what I want most," he said.

The CS later held two public gatherings at Ikonge and Magwagwa before proceeding to a funeral.

Dr Matiang'i spent the entire weekend in three constituencies of his Nyamira home county in an apparent mission to calm tempers following last week's violence in West Mugirango and Kitutu Masaba when government cancelled two fundraising events that were to be graced by Dr Ruto.

In all the functions, the CS said he did not harbour any ill intentions against local leaders who were critical over the manner the government had moved to implement the law on public order.

Accompanying him were County Commissioner Amos Mariba, Senator Okong'o Omogeni, MPs Jerusha Momanyi and Ben Momanyi as well as civil servants Moses Nyakiongora, Ken Nyaundi and Kenya National Highways Authority Engineer Kevin Nyabuto. 

Mr Omogeni told the leaders to back Matiang'i, who he said was poised for a higher position. "We have our own son, do we abandon him and go to praise and follow somebody else?" he posed.