Charles Chweya Matoke coronated in colorful traditional ceremony ahead of Nyaribari Masaba MP bid
The Mt Kenya Times 
Charles Chweya Matoke being coronated by Abagusii elders in colorful traditional ceremony. Photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
Charles Chweya Matoke was coronated in a colorful traditional ceremony attended by elders, community leaders, family members and hundreds of supporters, marking what many described as the beginning of his journey toward contesting the Nyaribari Masaba Member of Parliament seat in the 2027 General Election.
The event, was held at Bogeche rural home in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency, celebrated the rich Gusii cultural heritage through traditional songs, dances and blessings from respected elders. Participants dressed in traditional attire as they gathered to witness the symbolic ceremony that emphasized unity, leadership and service to the community.
During the coronation Matoke was given Esuguru (Headgear): A traditional hat or head covering worn by the elder, which officially symbolizes wisdom and status in the community.
Rungu/Sceptre): A traditional wooden baton or stick that represents leadership, strength, and the power to maintain peace and justice. Enyamica (Whisk): An animal tail whisk used by the elder to greet, bless, and command the attention of the community during ceremonies. Traditional Regalia: A specific cloak or special cloth is often draped over the newly coronated elder to signify their new elevation and responsibility.
Speaking during the event, Matoke expressed gratitude to the elders and residents for the honor bestowed upon him.
He said the coronation was not only a cultural milestone but also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership.
He pledged to work closely with residents to address challenges affecting the constituency, including youth unemployment, access to quality education, improved healthcare, better road infrastructure and economic empowerment for women and small-scale traders.
“Meaningful leadership should be centered on listening to the people and providing practical solutions to the issues they face every day,” Matoke said.
The ceremony attracted leaders from different sectors, religious leaders and residents from across the constituency, many of whom described the occasion as a demonstration of respect for culture and community values.
Several elders who presided over the ceremony, Skitta Kwamboka, CEC Education Erick Miyienda, urged leaders to embrace integrity, humility and accountability.
They emphasized that traditional blessings should inspire leaders to serve selflessly and unite the community rather than create divisions.
Residents who attended the event said they were encouraged by the peaceful atmosphere and called for issue-based politics as the country gradually heads toward the 2027 elections.
Miyienda urged aspiring leaders to focus on development agendas that improve livelihoods instead of engaging in political confrontation.
Youth who attended the gathering appealed to leaders seeking elective positions to prioritize employment opportunities, entrepreneurship programs and investment in sports and talent development. Women leaders also called for greater inclusion of women and young people in decision-making processes.
The coronation comes at a time when political activities are beginning to intensify across Kisii County as leaders position themselves ahead of the next General Election. Community meetings, development forums and public engagements have become increasingly common as aspirants seek to connect with voters and present their leadership agendas.
Political analyst Dennis Anyoka has observed that cultural ceremonies continue to play a significant role in many communities by reinforcing identity, unity and social values. While such ceremonies do not determine electoral outcomes, they often provide leaders with an opportunity to engage residents and outline their vision for development.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, residents of Nyaribari Masaba are expected to closely monitor the promises and leadership qualities of those seeking to represent them in Parliament.
For Charles Chweya Matoke, the colorful traditional coronation marks a significant personal and cultural milestone as he embarks on what is expected to be a closely watched political journey in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency.
Matoke burst into the national spotlight as one of the youngest aspirants for the Kisii County Governor seat in 2022. He ran a vigorous campaign emphasizing generational change, though he eventually ceded ground to rally behind the UDA gubernatorial candidate, Ezekiel Machogu.
He was appointed as the UDA Party Director of Resource Mobilization, Political and Diasporas Affairs, now serves as the Secretary for Political Affairs in President William Ruto’s Office.
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