By Mwibanda
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is reportedly making strategic moves toward a potential 2027 presidential bid.
Sources indicate that Matiang’i, who served in various influential positions under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s jadministration, has engaged a global lobbying firm to support his presidential aspirations.
This lobbying firm, renowned for its success in helping Botswana President Duma Boko secure his recent electoral victory, is believed to have been hired at a reported cost of KSh 32 million.
The firm’s mandate allegedly includes lobbying international organizations to gather support for Matiang’i’s candidacy, signaling the start of serious groundwork ahead of the 2027 general election.
While Matiang’i has yet to officially announce his candidacy, his strategic moves are garnering attention and suggesting that the former CS is eyeing a high-stakes contest in Kenya’s political future.
Matiang’i’s time in government has garnered mixed reactions from Kenyans.
While some view him as a transformative leader capable of steering Kenya towards progress, others remain skeptical about his chances in the face of ongoing political challenges.
Several Kenyans have taken to social media and other platforms to share their thoughts on Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions.
Mac Odit expressed doubt about Matiang’i’s chances, stating that,
“Even if everyone decides to vote for him, Sugoi will still win. Sugoi is not a joke, and soon we’ll be back to the Moi tenure.”
John Mathenge, however, was more optimistic saying that,”Fred Matiang’i will make it. He has my vote, and I think other Kenyans will vote for him. He is a servant leader.”
Daniel Kennedy agreed with Mathenge, adding: that,”I will vote for him. Anyone who can unseat Ruto will get my vote.”
A voter called Mustard Seed had a more cautious view, acknowledging Matiang’i’s past challenges saying ,”He failed at some point during his tenure. But defeating hustler will require hymns and prayers. Not that easy.”
John Munyiri offered a practical suggestion to Matiang’i advising that,
“If you want to be elected in Kenya, you must come to Kenya and fight with us. No one will give you the vote when you’re in the diaspora. Remember what hapoened to Dr.Mukisa Kituyi.”
Former cabinet minister Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi was incharge of UNCTRAD but failed to win the hearts of people when he resigned and declared that he would run for Presidency in 2022.
Stanley Khaemba weighed in with a reminder about Kenya’s tribal politics saying,”Tribalism will still play a major role as usual. He will not manage by virtue of coming from a small tribe, but he can make a good President. I will personally support him.”
Sheila Nyny admitted to her past frustrations with Matiang’i but expressed a shift in opinion saying that,
“He made us fail in our exams. Hasira bado haijaisha,but compared to what we have now, I’ll vote for him.”
Justus Ogembo was among the most passionate supporters who said that,
“He is the face of positive change, in fact, transformative change.
” Re-examine his tenure as Education CS. Very dramatic and constructive changes.He is the guy!”
Sigey Mercy expressed unwavering support for him saying that,”I will even mobilize people to vote for him, apart from my own vote. This is the right man we need.”
While there is a growing faction of support for Fred Matiang’i, it is clear that the political landscape is far from predictable.
Matiang’i will need to navigate the complex terrain of Kenyan politics, balancing his impressive track record with the formidable forces of political competition, tribal dynamics, and a changing electorate.
Though it’s still “mapema” (early) for any official announcement, the groundwork Matiang’i is laying now could potentially set the stage for a transformative political campaign in the coming years.
Ends.
