By KPC Reporter
More than ever before, Kenyans who have been beckoning former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’i to run for president in 2027 are anxiously waiting for his response.
Dr Matiang’i whose name has come up frequently as a possible contender against President William Ruto, has kept his political cards to his chest and left Kenyans to speculate about his intentions.
Has a chance
The former CS in retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime is seen as the most formidable contender for the presidency, should he decide to run.
Dr Matiang’i has been a darling of young people in Kenya who are keenly focusing to remove President Ruto from power, citing numerous governance problems.
Last year, the young Kenyans called on Dr Matiang’i to either come back and safe the country or he’ll be forced to do that through popular demands.
Immediately he landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) recently from Washington, the former CS eschewed making any major pronouncement.
“I thank God for journey mercies,” Dr Matiang’i said as he declined to speak more to the journalists.
He promised to pass his word to Kenyans later.
Although Dr Matiang’i did not grant journalists an interview on Thursday night, the faces who turned up to receive him signaled his intention to wade into active politics.
Excitement at airport
Those who received him at the airport include Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba and Jubilee party Chairman, Jeremiah Kioni.
The former CS has been working with the World Bank as a consultant in the United States.
Curious Kenyans at the airport photographed the former CS and spread the pictures on the Internet where they kept being shared for the better part of Friday.
Also in circulation was an amateur’s video, which was also used by several television stations.
Dr Matiang’i is among Kenyans being seen as possible presidential candidates in the 2027, which is likely to be very competitive in the country.
If he declares interest to throw in his hat into the ring, the former CS will possibly present the most formidable challenge to the scandal-riddled Ruto regime that promised a bottom-up economic approach but soon turned into a new dynasty that he condemned while campaigning.
Dr Matiang’i commands significant respect among many Kenyans and his no nonsense leadership as a CS presents his style to be compare to that of Tanzania’s late President, John Magufuli.
“Where we’ve reached, Kenya needs a Magufuli-like president who’ll confront the myriad political, economic and governance problems to restore discipline and accountability in government,” said Peter Otomwa, a hawker in Kisii town.
Another resident, Okero Omosa, pointed out, “Kenya is on its deathbed. Like it was the case in Ghana before the late Jerry Rawlings took the corrupt networks head on, we believe Dr Matiang’i will borrow the leaf from history to salvage this beautiful country that has been driven into a den of corruption and looting of public resources by political cartels.”
Track record
Whether he’ll be the Magufuli or Rawlings of Kenya, work is already cut out for whoever will be fronted to remove Ruto from power and restore the country on its right economic path.
During his time as CS in various ministries, Dr Matiang’i cut a name for himself as a results oriented public servant.
In the education docket, he initiated reforms such as one textbook per child, which ensured access to textbooks by millions of learners in public primary and secondary schools.
He also ensured a uniform yellow colour for all school vehicles, a change that has since become a tradition.
In ICT, his reforms include the nationwide migration from analogue to digital broadcasting, a move that was initially opposed but has since opened the immense opportunities in the media space.
At Interior, Dr Matiangi dealt with terror gangs and also got more assignments from his boss, former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Although he has been largely quiet, Dr Matiangi’s name started to be mentioned during the Gen Z protests which engulfed the country in June 2024.
Senator Onyonka has been selling the former CS’s name, saying Dr Matiangi will tame corruption and grant Kenyans their dignity.
“It is public knowledge that Matiang’i demonstrated exemprary leadership during his tenure as Cabinet Secretary in various ministries,” Onyonka says, adding that the experience garnered makes the former CS the right choice to occupy the presidency after Dr Ruto.
Equally, Kioni has severally said that the former CS would be their Jubilee party flagbearer in the next general elections.
“The political climate is encouraging and we have agreed to continue holding weekly consultations while broadening our engagements to strengthen support for Matiang’i,” Kioni said last month after a meeting with other like minded politicians including Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo.
It is worth noting that while Nyaribo attended the Kioni meeting, the governor belongs to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a party associated with Dr Matiang’i.
6th Matiang’i hails from Gusii region, where he has received the backing of several leaders including former Kisii Senator, Prof Sam Ongeri, Nyamira Senator Okong’o O’Mogeni.