After nearly two years away from Kenya’s political limelight, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has re-emerged and with a bold ambition: the presidency.
In a charged rally at Gusii Stadium on Friday, Matiang’i marked his first major public appearance in Kisii since the 2022 change of government, using the occasion to officially announce his intention to run for president in the 2027 general election.
“When I finished my work in the past regime, I moved out of the country to continue with another assignment,” Matiang’i told the packed stadium. “But the kind of overwhelming invitations I received over the times I have been away are such a great force that propelled me to come back. Will you support me on my way up?”
The crowd, electrified by his presence, responded with cheers, prompting the former CS to seal the moment with clarity: “I have spoken it now from my own mouth. I am ready.”
Known for his hardline and authoritative leadership style during his tenure in the Education and Interior ministries, Matiang’i now shifts from government technocrat to political contender a move that sets him on a collision course with President William Ruto, who is eyeing re-election.
His return is being viewed by political observers as more than just a bid for power; it’s a signal that Matiang’i is positioning himself as a serious alternative in a political landscape still settling after a turbulent transition.
“I strongly feel I have the capacity and ability to address the many challenges which the country is facing,” he added, suggesting a platform focused on governance reform and national unity.
Matiang’i, once one of the most powerful figures in the former regime, now begins the daunting task of building a national campaign machine from the ground up. But judging by the heroic reception in his home region, his political capital at least in Gusii remains intact.
