Caleb Amisi Challenges Kalonzo after Matiang'i's Heroic Welcome Rallies: "Not Just Photo Sessions"

• Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has challenged Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders to hold public rallies like Fred Matiang’i to mobilise grassroots support
• Amisi further criticised opposition figures for relying on boardroom press briefings, saying real change starts with engaging the public directly
• He asserted leaders must prove they can draw strong backing in their own regions if they hope to unseat the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has dared Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to step up and follow in the footsteps of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i by taking his message to the public through rallies.

This follows Matiang’i’s recent tour of Nyamira and Kisii counties, which drew nationwide attention after massive crowds turned out for his rallies.

What did Caleb Amisi tell Kalonzo?

Amisi used his social media platforms to urge opposition figures—including Kalonzo, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and the former Public Service Cabinet secretary Justin Muturi—to follow Matiang’i’s example.

The outspoken legislator further criticised them for relying on boardroom press briefings, arguing that true mobilisation happens on the ground, not behind closed doors.

"To our friends, @skmusyoka @MarthaKarua, @EugeneLWamalwa and @HonJBMuturi look at #Matiangi rallies in Kisii and Nyamira," he said.

He went on to advise that if they hope to rally Kenyans to vote out the current administration, they must first prove they can draw similar support in their own strongholds.

"That electric reception must be seen in your respective strongholds. It is what created the Narc wave that sent Moi 24-year system home. Not press conferences and photo sessions. Kenya needs a renaissance," Amisi said.

Will Fred Matiang'i vie for presidency?

Amisi's statement came after Matiang’i officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, confirming long-standing speculation about his political ambitions.

His entry into the race sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown with President William Ruto, who is expected to seek re-election for a second term.

The announcement was made during a highly charged rally on Friday, May 2, marking the climax of a homecoming tour that started in Kijauri and passed through Nyamira, Keroka, and Keumbu, before concluding in Kisii Town.

The rally, which was initially planned for the Kisii Capital Roundabout, had to be moved to Gusii Stadium after crowds exceeded expectations.

Thousands of residents lined the streets along Capital-Hospital Road and nearby areas, bringing Kisii’s business activity to a standstill as Matiang’i’s motorcade arrived amid tight security.

Matiang’i told the crowd that he would resign from his World Bank role within three weeks to focus fully on his presidential campaign.

He said the country was in desperate need of leadership that combines integrity with decisive action.

Known for his tough stance during his tenure in the Jubilee administration, Matiang’i positioned himself as a reformist alternative to the current leadership, stating that Kenya needs a leader who can confront national challenges head-on and restore public trust in governance.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke