Matiang’i Abruptly Cancels Rally After Secret Plot Exposed
Fred Matiang’i, former Interior Cabinet Secretary and a key contender in the 2027 presidential race, has abruptly shelved his planned three-day campaign trail in Meru and Embu counties. The rallies, which were scheduled to run from Thursday to Saturday, were called off under what his team terms a “deliberate ploy to disrupt and discredit.”
The announcement was made by Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya, who was set to host Matiang’i in the two counties. Speaking during a press conference, Munya claimed to have credible intelligence suggesting a government-backed plan to plant hired troublemakers within the rallies to trigger chaos.
“We’re deeply connected to intelligence circles,” Munya said. “We’ve been reliably informed of a coordinated effort to infiltrate our meetings with goons who would cause destruction, only for the blame to be laid on our supporters. It’s a smear campaign targeting Matiang’i and our party.”
Beyond the looming threat of violence, Munya noted that the team had also agreed to suspend the events in solidarity with families mourning victims of the recent national protests.
“Out of respect for those who have lost their lives during the demonstrations, we felt it was not the right time,” Munya explained. “We will reschedule once the mood in the country permits such engagements.”
Local leaders in Meru had reportedly made thorough preparations to receive Matiang’i, who is actively laying the groundwork for a 2027 presidential bid. The Kenya Social Congress’ Meru branch had publicly expressed its support, looking forward to his visit.
“We were ready to welcome him,” said one party official before the rallies were called off. “He’s one of the leaders we trust, and we hoped he’d get the chance to sell his vision to the people. But unfortunately, certain forces are working to frustrate peaceful political discourse.”
Munya and other leaders squarely blamed the government for orchestrating these disruptions, alleging that the strategy aims to shift blame to the opposition while undermining their credibility on the ground.
“The public knows what’s happening,” Munya added. “It’s the government pulling strings behind these acts of political sabotage.”
The decision to cancel the rallies follows a violent incident in Bungoma County, where opposition leaders—including Matiang’i, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Governor Natembeya—were attacked. Their convoy came under heavy stone-throwing while en route to Kitale via Chwele, forcing the leaders to flee the area for their safety.
Matiang’i Abruptly Cancels Rally After Secret Plot Exposed
