Matiang’i Returns to Kenya, Fuels Speculation of 2027 Presidential Run
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i arrived back in Kenya on the night of Thursday, April 17, sparking renewed speculation about his possible bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at around 11:40 p.m., arriving aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Washington, D.C., with a stopover in Doha.
The former powerful CS, who served in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, was warmly welcomed by a group of political allies.
Among those present at the airport to receive him were Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
“Welcome back home, Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i,” Senator Onyonka posted on X (formerly Twitter), alongside photos of Matiang’i being received at JKIA.
His return has once again brought his rumored political plans into the spotlight, especially amid growing talk that he could be eyeing the presidency in the upcoming elections.
Matiang’i Keeps Silent on 2027 Bid
Despite the rising speculation, Dr. Matiang’i has not publicly confirmed or denied whether he plans to run for the presidency in 2027.
The former CS, who also previously led the Ministry of Education, has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his political intentions.
His arrival, however, comes at a time when a section of leaders from his Kisii community, including Senator Onyonka, have openly thrown their weight behind his possible candidacy.
Gachagua Mentions Matiang’i in Talks on 2027 Coalition
Adding to the momentum, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently suggested that Matiang’i could be part of a broader political alliance being formed in preparation for the 2027 polls.
During a public address on Tuesday, April 15, Gachagua said that conversations were ongoing to bring together a team of leaders committed to transforming the country’s leadership.
“We have heard the voices of Kenyans calling for unity and new leadership,” said Gachagua. “That’s why I’m working with Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and Fred Matiang’i to build a united front that can take this country forward. I want to assure Kenyans that we are coming up with a strong leadership formula.”
Jubilee Party Endorses Matiang’i
Meanwhile, the Jubilee Party has openly expressed support for Matiang’i’s potential run. The party’s Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, has repeatedly endorsed Matiang’i as the preferred candidate to carry Jubilee’s flag into the 2027 election.
In February, Kioni, along with other regional leaders from the party, officially backed Matiang’i’s candidacy during a meeting at Jubilee headquarters in Nairobi.
Kioni emphasized that while Matiang’i is Jubilee’s chosen representative for now, the larger plan is to bring together several like-minded political parties to agree on one unified presidential candidate under a single coalition.
“We have picked Dr. Matiang’i to be our party’s candidate, but that does not automatically make him the final presidential candidate,” said Kioni.
“The idea is to join forces with others and come up with one strong candidate that the whole coalition will support.”
Matiang’i Reportedly Hired Canadian Firm to Help with Campaign
Fueling the speculation even further, reports have emerged that Matiang’i engaged the services of a Canadian lobbying and public relations firm, Dickens & Madison, to help develop his campaign strategy.
According to the reports, the agreement with the firm was signed in July 2024, signaling Matiang’i’s serious interest in contesting the presidency.
The former CS is said to have already made an initial payment of $65,000 (about Ksh8.42 million) and agreed to a retainer fee of $250,000 (approximately Ksh32.39 million).
In confidential documents, the firm promised to offer media support and public relations services to promote Matiang’i’s political image and goals.
Additionally, they would lobby the U.S. Executive and Legislative branches to back his political ambitions.
Matiang’i’s return, combined with his support from various political leaders and the involvement of an international PR firm, is being seen as a strong sign that he could be preparing to launch a serious presidential campaign for 2027.
Join Our Political Forum official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
