South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro has found himself at the center of political backlash after making controversial remarks about former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
In a statement shared on his social media page, Osoro dismissed Matiang’i’s potential presidential ambitions, likening the excitement surrounding his rumored 2027 bid to “moto ya karatasi”—a Kiswahili phrase meaning a fire that burns briefly and dies out.
Osoro went further, claiming that Matiang’i only has three options ahead of the 2027 General Election: supporting President William Ruto, fleeing the country, or fading into political irrelevance.
The remarks sparked immediate outrage, especially among Kenyans who view Matiang’i as a firm and respected former public servant.
Within hours of posting, Osoro’s page was flooded with angry comments. Many accused the MP of disrespecting a man who played a critical role in national security and governance during the Uhuru Kenyatta administration. Others saw the remarks as a calculated move to undermine any opposition figures gaining momentum ahead of 2027.
The backlash became so intense that Osoro was forced to disable the comment section on his post. This decision further fueled the online debate, with some interpreting it as a sign that he could not handle public criticism.
Speaking to political experts, it was noted that such divisive statements could trigger political fallout. One expert warned, “In the current climate, politicians must tread carefully. Remarks like these only serve to alienate voters.”
While Osoro has yet to issue an apology or clarify his stance, political analysts suggest the incident has reignited public interest in Matiang’i’s next move. Whether the former CS will respond or let the storm pass remains to be seen.
By Kenyans