According to reports by the Star newspaper, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has started laying the foundation for his 2027 presidential bid. On Friday, Matiang’i held a quiet but important meeting with key Maasai leaders in Narok County, showing that his political game plan is already taking shape.
The meeting was held behind closed doors and hosted by Moitalel Ole Kenta, a politician known to have links with the ODM party. Among those who attended were respected elders and opinion leaders from the region, a sign that Matiang’i is not taking any chances when it comes to gaining grassroots support.
He wasn’t alone during the visit. Matiang’i was accompanied by top politicians from the Kisii region, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni. Also present was veteran leader Professor Sam Ongeri. Their presence showed unity and strong backing from his home region, which could be crucial for his national appeal.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. Photo | File
Sources said the meeting was just one of many planned across the country to build a wide support base, especially after Matiang’i made his presidential ambitions official during a massive homecoming rally in Kisii on May 2.
Senator Onyonka confirmed the meeting was meaningful and focused on building partnerships. He said it was a “deep and respectful engagement with our Maa brothers,” and hinted that more similar meetings will be happening in other counties soon. This suggests that Matiang’i is not only targeting his home ground but also reaching out to other communities that can swing the vote in a national election.
President William Ruto addressing the public in Narok on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. PHOTO/@BoniManyala/X
The timing of the meeting also raised eyebrows, as it came shortly after President William Ruto toured the same region. Many observers see this as an early sign of competition between the two leaders for influence in the Rift Valley, a region known for its importance in presidential politics.
Stepping into what is traditionally seen as Ruto’s turf, Matiang’i appears to be testing the waters and gauging the mood on the ground.
In the past week, Matiang’i was also seen in Nyeri alongside Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa, key figures in the opposition. Their appearance together fueled talk of a possible alliance. Matiang’i has been presenting himself as a new kind of leader firm, honest, and ready to fix what he sees as a failing government. While speaking to supporters in Wamunyoro, he said he wants to rebuild trust between citizens and leaders and bring an end to what he called “a government that plays games with its people.”
Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Dr Fred Matiang’i. Photo Courtesy.
Insiders say he plans to continue visiting other Maa-speaking counties in the coming months. Though still quiet, the early movements and meetings suggest that Matiang’i’s campaign is already in motion behind the scenes. With strong allies and a clear message, his entry into the race could shake up the current political balance as 2027 draws closer.
