ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has sensationally explained why the government shelved a bid by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi to vie for president in the 2022 General Election.

Speaking in Nyamira, Raila said he was ready to back Matiang’i for the top seat but the plan was revised after the various political players on his political side “surveyed the landscape.”

According to the ODM presidential candidate, who is backed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the powerful CS opted to support his bid instead as he awaits a better chance in future. 


Raila narrated how he first met Matiang’i as the CS at the time worked as consultant for Parliament and praised him as hard working and fearless person and public servant.


“Mimi najua Matiang’i and we discussed with him how things should be. At one time I said I am ready to support Matiang’i. But when we later on did a review and looked at hoe the forest was looking like, then he agreed and told me ‘You should first finish, go into this forest first…’ But we are together. Every step we have taken, we have taken after consultation,” said Raila. 

The ODM boss was hosted on Friday in Nyamira County by Matiang’i for a fund drive to complete a 1,200-bed capacity dormitory in Mwongori High School, Borabu Constituency.