As per the reports by the Star, the Jubilee Party under former President Uhuru Kenyatta has shown its strongest signal yet that it is ready to support former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in a bid for the presidency.
This marks a major turn in the political arena, especially within the opposition. Matiang’i’s possible entry into the race is expected to shake up the opposition front that is currently being linked to impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
If Fred Matiang’i receives full support from Uhuru Kenyatta, it could give his campaign a major boost in key regions across the country. Uhuru still has influence in some parts of the country, especially the Mt Kenya region. This same region is one that Gachagua has been focusing on heavily ever since his impeachment in late 2024.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at State House on July 8, 2017. PHOTO | PSCU
Gachagua has tried to position himself as the voice of the mountain, and his alliance with Kalonzo Musyoka was seen as a move to create a wider base ahead of the 2027 general election.
Matiang’i’s re-emergence would threaten this plan. His background as a powerful Cabinet Secretary in Uhuru’s government and his image as a no-nonsense administrator could appeal to both the elite and ordinary Kenyans who are tired of empty promises.
Since the Kenya Kwanza government took office in 2022, Matiang’i had gone silent. His disappearance from the public scene sparked various theories. Some believed he went underground to avoid possible political witch-hunts and court cases that were rumored during the early months of the current regime.
A screenshot from the section of the Star publication
In the recent past, there have been increasing voices from within the Gusii community, where Matiang’i hails from, calling on him to contest the presidency. Several leaders from Kisii and Nyamira have been vocal in saying that it is time the community produced a strong presidential candidate, and many believe Matiang’i is the best option.
Dr Fred Matiang’i with President Uhuru Kenyatta in a past event. PHOTO/Courtesy
He is seen as disciplined, focused, and someone with a proven record in public service. Civil society groups have also added their voice, saying Kenya needs leadership that is serious and not just loud.
The growing support from his home region and his past association with a powerful former president place Matiang’i in a unique position. While he has not officially announced his intentions, these latest developments suggest he is being prepared for a comeback. The Gachagua-Kalonzo team will now have to rethink its strategies, as Matiang’i’s entrance could pull votes away, especially in areas that were expected to be battlegrounds.
The next few months are likely to bring even more movement in Kenya’s political space as the race for 2027 begins to take shape.
