Fred Matiang’i Jets Back to Kenya Amid 2027 Presidential Speculation
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i returned to the country late Thursday night, sparking fresh waves of speculation over his anticipated bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Elections.
Dr. Matiang’i landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11:40 p.m. aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Washington via Doha. Though he declined to issue a formal statement to the press, the former CS briefly expressed gratitude for a safe journey, hinting at a more comprehensive address in the near future.
Matiang’i was received at the airport by a delegation of political allies, including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba. Their presence further intensified public interest in Matiang’i’s political future.
Rising Political Momentum
The return of the former CS comes amid mounting anticipation following months of online buzz and political chatter linking him to the 2027 presidential race. The speculations gained traction during the June 25, 2024 Gen Z-led protests, where his name emerged among those considered capable of mounting a formidable opposition to President William Ruto.
Matiang’i has remained tight-lipped on his political plans, but several key figures within the Jubilee Party have publicly expressed support for his candidature. Earlier this year, party SG Jeremiah Kioni openly declared Matiang’i as the preferred flagbearer for Jubilee, while emphasizing the need for broader coalition-building.
“We’ve settled on Matiang’i as our candidate. Not to mean that he becomes an eventual presidential candidate but a presidential candidate within the party who would then join others in coming up with one person who I believe as a coalition we will be able to back,” Kioni said in February.
Regional Backing and Strategic Moves
Support from his Kisii political base has also been growing. Senator Richard Onyonka and other local leaders have endorsed Matiang’i, arguing that his experience and technocratic leadership make him a viable alternative in 2027.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced of Matiang’i’s association with Canadian political consultancy firm Dickens & Madison, allegedly hired to map out a campaign strategy for 2027. While Matiang’i has not confirmed the partnership, insiders close to him say the move is part of a broader plan to prepare for his re-entry into active politics.
Dr. Matiang’i has been working with the World Bank in Washington, D.C., overseeing development projects across Latin America. However, sources suggest he is set to resign from the position to fully immerse himself in local politics.
“Yesterday Dr. Fred Matiang’i called me from where he is working for the World Bank in Latin America. He has decided to leave the job and come back to Kenya to join our brothers,” Senator Onyonka stated in January.
Looking Ahead
While Matiang’i has yet to officially announce his presidential bid, his recent actions and the growing political rally around him suggest he may soon make his intentions clear. As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections, the former CS is increasingly seen as a potential game-changer in a political landscape seeking fresh leadership.
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Fred Matiang’i Jets Back to Kenya Amid 2027 Presidential Speculation