UPA party prepares for Matiang'i presidency with grassroots mobilisation

Two years to the election, UPA has embarked on grassroots mobilisation, with the party keen on expanding its presence to other regions from its base in Gusii region. 

UPA National Chairman Nyambega Gisesa said the party is set to conduct its primaries in February this year, and has already started the process of mobilising more people to join. 

"We have received the first three branded vehicles as we get ready for a countywide grassroots mobilisation and primaries as from February," Gisesa said. 

The Rigoma Ward MCA on Wednesday unveiled the three branded vehicles which he said is the first step for the party to reach as many Kenyans as possible, with Matiang'i as the frontrunner to carry the party flag for the presidency. 

UPA leaders from Gusii region recently met to discuss the viability of Matiang'i's candidature, with many agreeing that he qualifies to vie under the party going by his track record as a cabinet secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration. 

Matiang'i earned a name for himself when he served in three different ministries; ICT, Education and Interior. His no-nonsense approach to issues saw major transformation, especially in the education and interior dockets.

In doing so, he earned admiration from many Kenyans, and became a close ally of former president Uhuru. 

He would, however, go under when President William Ruto assumed office in 2022, especially after security apparatus that formerly served under him conducted raids at his home in Nairobi. 

Matiang'i recently made a public appearance in Kitui where he interacted with residents and bought groceries. 

His name has been mentioned as among those who should challenge Ruto's re-election in 2027 amid heightened scrutiny and criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration. 

Gisesa says UPA is also considering collaborations with other like-minded people even as they look to front Matiang'i. The party is particularly keen on tapping into the support of renowned academicians and  political analysts to catapult it to national recognition.