Former Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has broken his silence months after his sacking from the Education docket, expressing regret at supporting President William Ruto’s 2022 election bid in the gusii region of Nyamira and Kisii counties.
Machogu tore into Ruto’s government for not fulfilling the pledges and promises that he made to the Kisii community during campaigns.
President Ruto ascended to power on a platform of change, pledging to centre the populace who, for decades, have been marginalised by successive regimes.
Ruto's campaign pledge was a “bottom-up” economic agenda, promising to cut taxes, give small businesses interest-free loans - cut the country’s debt appetite by downsizing the government among others.
Over Two years into his 5-year first term, Majority of Kenyans, according to recent opinion polls, believe that his policies have worsened suffering.
According to the former Education Cs, once in power, Ruto reneged on the popular promises under his manifesto and retained the exclusionary, oppressive, and divisive state that has virtually retained all the colonial attributes.
Machogu, expressed his regret for drumming up support for the Kenya-kwanza administration's bid in the 2022 General elections, claiming instead of initiating development projects in the region, the head of state is doing the contrary.
The Former Education Cs, speaking in Nyaribari Masaba constituency on Friday, May 23, 2025, while addressing mourners, said ;
“I regret asking our people to support Ruto’s candidature. I thought that with Ruto’s win, the Kisii community would get development, but it is unfortunate that he is doing the contrary,” he stated.
Machogu, was among Cabinet secretaries sacked after President Ruto dissolved his entire cabinet, following widespread protests, after Gen Z demanded change.
While Ruto mostly named holdovers from the cabinet he sacked to a new government meant to respond to the grievances of young protesters, Machogu was left out in the cold.
President William Ruto picked Former CS Ezekiel Machogu's running mate in the 2022 Kisii gubernatorial race Julius Migos Ogamba as his successor at the Education Ministry. Machogu and Ogamba had vied on a UDA party ticket but lost to the current Governor Simba Arati.
Meanwhile, Machogu asked members of the community to be united and support one of their own for the presidency come 2027.
Interestingly, two candidates, Former Interior Cs Fred Matiang’i and Former Chief Justice David Maraga, both from the region, have expressed interest to contest for the top seat come 2027.
Fred Matiang’i is often seen as a symbol of discipline and efficiency, with many believing he could lead Kenya into a productive and orderly future. His governance record and loyalty to his superiors have earned him admiration, positioning him as a key figure in national politics.
In contrast, David Maraga is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, exemplified by his historic nullification of the 2017 presidential election, which underscored the judiciary’s independence.
Both Maraga and Matiang’i must demonstrate their ability to collaborate with like-minded partners, as no politician can succeed alone, particularly at the presidential level.
Understanding the dynamics of Gusii leadership is vital, but national and tribal geopolitics are equally critical. Matiang’i faces questions about his tenure’s suppression of free speech, while Maraga’s nullification of a Mount Kenya leader’s victory leaves him with political baggage. Both must navigate these challenges to build broader appeal.
The Abagusii community is known for its principled stance and long-term vision, often prioritizing collective pride over immediate gains. Their history of defying norms, from judicial rulings to rejecting financial enticements, highlights their unique political identity. This reputation has garnered admiration from other voter blocs, positioning Gusii leaders as potential unifiers in Kenya’s governance.
