KISII, Kenya, May 2 – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has formally declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027, signaling a political comeback anchored on unity, service, and experience.
Speaking during a homecoming event at Gusii Stadium on May 2, Matiang’i said he is ready to work with like-minded leaders to confront the challenges facing the country.
He emphasized his readiness to serve, citing his decade-long record under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
“For ten years, I worked tirelessly for this country. I am known to be a good worker, and if given the chance, I am ready to work for Kenyans,” Matiang’i said.
He noted that Kenya is grappling with serious challenges and cautioned against political division and complacency.
“We have many challenges—let’s not pretend. Let’s not be divided and end up destroying our country. We must remain hopeful and united,” he urged.
Matiang’i revealed that after his term in government ended, he moved abroad for professional engagements but has been receiving calls to return and help fix the country. He now plans to resign from his position overseas and focus fully on the 2027 presidential campaign.
“Let’s not lose hope in our country. We are a resilient nation. Come 2027, we shall cross over together,” he declared.
His remarks came as he launched a meet-the-people tour across Kisii and Nyamira counties, his political base. The tour, organized by the Team Matiang’i Secretariat, attracted prominent Gusii leaders including Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Senators Momoima Onyonka and Okong’o Omogeni, and several MPs and MCAs.
“This is about reconnecting with our people, understanding their needs, and shaping a new vision for Kenya from the grassroots up,” said one of the leaders accompanying Matiang’i.
His re-entry into active politics comes amid ongoing efforts to form a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 General Election. Matiang’i recently attended a high-level meeting in Nairobi with other key opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi, and former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi.
Sources close to the talks say the leaders are exploring the formation of a broad coalition to challenge President William Ruto’s re-election bid. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in late 2024, has also expressed interest in the presidency and supported the idea of rallying behind a single opposition candidate.
“I’m running for president, but I’m also ready to support whoever we settle on as a team,” Gachagua said recently. “I was impeached by MPs, not by the people. I remain a leader, and I will keep serving.”
Political analysts say uniting such a diverse group will not be easy, but Matiang’i’s entry has already shifted the opposition landscape.
Matiang’i is expected to continue his grassroots mobilization in the coming weeks, with stops in Keroka, Keumbu, Kijauri, Kisii Town, and Nyamira.
He has already been endorsed by the Jubilee Party as its presidential flagbearer, fueling speculation about his rising influence within the emerging alliance.
