Thuku, who has previously expressed support for Matiang’i’s political ambitions, argued that the former Cabinet Secretary should stop speaking in indirect terms and instead clearly ask Kenyans to vote for him as president.
According to him, ambiguity in messaging risks weakening a candidate’s perceived seriousness in a competitive political race.
He pointed to a recent stopover in Murang'a County where Matiang’i accompanied church service attendees who openly encouraged residents to support him.
He pointed to a recent stopover in Murang'a County where Matiang’i accompanied church service attendees who openly encouraged residents to support him.
Thuku praised those allies for being straightforward in their messaging, saying that such clarity reflects effective campaign strategy.
However, he contrasted this with Matiang’i’s own remarks, which he said sometimes suggest a preference for an “alternative candidate” selected through coalition discussions.
However, he contrasted this with Matiang’i’s own remarks, which he said sometimes suggest a preference for an “alternative candidate” selected through coalition discussions.
Thuku argued that such language can make a presidential hopeful appear uncertain about their own ambitions.
In his view, serious contenders should present themselves directly to voters, clearly articulate their vision, and explicitly request support rather than relying on broader coalition arrangements or delegated messaging.
Thuku also criticized narratives suggesting that opposition candidates should wait for a jointly selected flagbearer, describing such expectations as unrealistic in a competitive political environment.
In his view, serious contenders should present themselves directly to voters, clearly articulate their vision, and explicitly request support rather than relying on broader coalition arrangements or delegated messaging.
Thuku also criticized narratives suggesting that opposition candidates should wait for a jointly selected flagbearer, describing such expectations as unrealistic in a competitive political environment.
He insisted that each aspirant must build independent support and communicate directly with the electorate.
He further extended his remarks to broader opposition dynamics, including movements such as the Linda Mwananchi bloc associated with Edwin Sifuna, suggesting that internal dependence on “appointed candidates” could weaken political momentum.
Despite his critique, Thuku reaffirmed his belief in Matiang’i as a strong contender, emphasizing that his advice is aimed at strengthening the former CS’s public positioning rather than undermining it.
He further extended his remarks to broader opposition dynamics, including movements such as the Linda Mwananchi bloc associated with Edwin Sifuna, suggesting that internal dependence on “appointed candidates” could weaken political momentum.
Despite his critique, Thuku reaffirmed his belief in Matiang’i as a strong contender, emphasizing that his advice is aimed at strengthening the former CS’s public positioning rather than undermining it.