Will Fred Matiang'i navigate rough and tumble of Kenyan politics?

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is finally sticking out his neck.

After causing ripples in the political puddle for some time, the former powerful Cabinet Secretary is finally coming out in the open today for what is expected to be a grand homecoming. ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001509480/will-matiangi-succeed-in-his-2027-presidential-bid">This is also expected to herald< his contest for the presidency.

Matian’gi, who has maintained a low profile since jetting into the country two weeks ago and has been holding private meetings in Nairobi, will have an opportunity of declaring to his supporters his plans as far as the 2027 presidential contest is concerned.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua and Democratic Action Party- Kenya Leader Eugene Wamalwa, who met with Matiang’i on Tuesday, are among the guests expected to grace today’s event in Gusiiland.

Matiang’i, who will address roadside meetings starting from Chepilat along the Nyamira- Bomet border, is expected to be crowned a Gusii elder in Kisii town, which will pave way for him to lead his community in staking a claim on the national table in the next general election.

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001517697/welcome-onboard-matiangi-joins-gachagua-kalonzo-as-2027-politics-hots-up">who was among those who welcomed< Matiang’i at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when he jetted in, has, on several occasions, made it clear that the former Cabinet Secretary will fly the party flag in the next general election.

“The country requires someone who can return it to the right track in the shortest time possible. Matiang’i’s record as Cabinet Secretary for 10 years is very impressive. He is the best candidate to clear the mess created by the Kenya Kwanza administration. That is why we support him,” said Kioni.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka says Matiang’i stands a very good chance of being elected as the sixth president of Kenya in 2027 since President William Ruto is beatable at the ballot, having made very many mistakes and that two years are not enough for him to remedy himself.

Sizeable share 

“The field is open for the 2027 presidential election since Kenyans are very disappointed with the performance of Ruto. Matiang’i is not an angel but a better devil since his track record is out there for everyone’s scrutiny and I can say he tried his best as Cabinet Secretary,” said Onyonka.

He says that Matiang’i can galvanise the voters as he had already made a name for himself across the country as hard worker keen on good results in any project that he has embarked on and as the Gusii community, they are proud to sell him to the rest of the country. 

Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni says that the emerging trend in the country’s politics is for coalitions based on one’s support base and that the Gusii nation should not be left behind whenever the national cake is being shared since they equally deserve to get a sizeable share when it matters.

Omogeni says Matiang’i, just like any Kenyan, has a constitutional right to seek any political office, including the Presidency, and that he does not see anything wrong for him to declare his interest and he needs to engage with leaders and populace before taking the final leap.

“The first thing Matiang’i should do is engage with the community and its political leaders so that we can see the way forward. Nobody can dispute that he has performed well during his time in Cabinet, but he needs to sell his agenda to the community and its leadership,” said Omogeni.

Gusii Parliamentary Caucus Chairman Joash Nyamoko says the community does not have political value at the moment despite having more than 1 million votes. This, Nyamoko says, is because the Gusii are not united and cohesive enough to attract other Kenyans to seek partnership with them.

“As elected political leaders from the Gusii region, we have disappointed our people since we are each looking for opportunities while undercutting each other instead of sitting down as community leaders and championing what is good for us,” said Nyamoko.

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001516796/matiangi-jets-back-to-the-country-amid-speculation-over-his-presidential-ambitions">The North Mugirango MP< says for Matiangi to make any political move, he needs the backing of political leaders and that he needs to engage them before making any decision. He says this year is crucial in shaping the political destiny of the country and the Gusii community needs to unite.

Jacob Bagaka, the secretary general of United Progressive Alliance (UPA), says Matiang’i is the only leader capable of offering an alternative leadership that Kenyans are currently craving for and should be supported by all citizens.

Bagaka says Kenyans are “undergoing ridiculous taxation measures” under the current administration and that it is only Matiang’i who can rescue the country from the current economic quagmire that it is facing. He is calling for citizens from all parts of the country to support him.

“Dr Matiang’i’s record as a Cabinet Secretary is well known by all Kenyans. He has distinguished himself as a great servant of the people. If they entrust him with the position of President in 2027, he will definitely turn the country for the better,” said Bagaka.

Personal assistant

Matiang’i served as a personal assistant to the late Simeon Nyachae and later as presidential campaign manager for the wealthy politician when he contested for the presidency on a Ford People Party ticket, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001517882/matiangi-set-for-gusii-region-tour-tomorrow">managing to galvanise the Gusii< vote with his party garnering 15 parliamentary seats across the country.

Matiang’i made a name as no-nonsense Cabinet Secretary for the 10 years he served under Uhuru. He was appointed to serve in the Ministry of Information in 2013 and later transferred to the Education docket.

He was chosen to head the Interior Ministry after the 2017 General Election.

He is credited with streamlining the education sector, ending examination cheating and earning accolades from Kenyans.

Political risk analyst Dismas Mokua says Matiang’i meets the constitutional requirements to run for President but will need to clear his name on matters around respect for court orders, corruption allegations and state his position on the rule of law and order.