Fred Matiang’i Declares 2027 Presidential Bid in Kisii Homecoming Tour

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections. 

This marks his first public statement regarding his political ambitions since leaving office. Matiang’i made the announcement during a homecoming tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties, where he cited appeals from Kenyans both at home and abroad as the primary motivation for his decision. Addressing a large gathering at Gusii Stadium, Matiang’i emphasised his readiness to take on the responsibilities of leadership, referencing his tenure as a minister.

"You know very well that I am a doer. You saw it when I served this country as a minister," he stated. "I left because others assumed power, but even while working abroad, I received countless messages from Kenyans calling on me to return and provide leadership."

Matiang’i stated that he would resign from his current employment in the United States to fully focus on his campaign. The announcement followed a tour of his home region, drawing substantial crowds. The tour commenced in Kijauri, near Matiang’i’s rural home in Borabu, and proceeded through several key towns, including Ekerenyo, Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii, and Nyamira. At Kisii’s Capital Roundabout, large crowds gathered, necessitating a change in the itinerary to accommodate a stadium address. 

"I have come here because this is home and because you, the people, have asked me to return and speak on the affairs of our country," Matiang’i told the assembled crowd.

A notable political development occurred as Kisii Governor Simba Arati, the deputy party leader of ODM, endorsed Matiang’i’s presidential bid. Arati accompanied Matiang’i on the tour through Kisii, travelling together to the stadium following a meeting at the county headquarters. Arati urged Matiang’i to broaden his outreach beyond the Gusii region to gain national support. He also raised concerns about the exclusion of the Gusii community from government appointments under the current administration. 

"We have been overlooked when it comes to government appointments. I had to make noise for us to even secure one Principal Secretary position," Arati remarked.

Several political figures have voiced support for Matiang’i’s presidential aspirations. Among those present were Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and several Members of Parliament from the ODM party, including Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), and Patrick Osero (Borabu). Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi emphasised the importance of a national campaign. 

"Today was just an introduction. We now want you to go out and speak to other Kenyans so that together, we can send President William Ruto home in 2027," he said.

Notably, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, elected on President Ruto’s UDA ticket, played a role in organising the event. This move indicates potential shifts in political allegiances as the country approaches the next election cycle. Other leaders in attendance included Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba and former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi, highlighting the significance of the event.

Matiang’i addressed the challenges facing the country, assuring citizens that he would address governance shortcomings when the time comes. "There are many challenges facing our country now, but let us not lose focus. We are a country built on resilience, and I urge our people not to lose hope. When the time comes, we will cross that bridge and fix those issues," he said.