Matiang’i to Resign from World Bank Ahead of 2027 Presidential Campaign

Just days after announcing his aspirations for the Kenyan presidency, Fred Matiang’i, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, has ignited a firestorm of political speculation with his sudden return to the United States. 

This move has prompted questions about his commitment to the presidential race, particularly in light of his recent alignment with opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua. Critics have suggested that Matiang’i may have reconsidered his candidacy, potentially opting to resume his prior role at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. Conversely, his allies maintain that this departure is a necessary step to formally resign from his international post before fully committing to his campaign.

In an address to the Gusii community via Egesa FM, Gachagua urged patience, emphasising that Matiang’i should be afforded the time to finalise his resignation process. He argues that an abrupt abandonment of his World Bank position would reflect poorly on Matiang’i’s integrity and leadership credentials. 

"I want to wish my brother Fred Matiang’i the very best. I ask the people of Kisii to give him the opportunity to go back to Washington and hand over. It would be bad manners for him to just leave the job without resigning," Gachagua stated, underscoring the importance of a proper handover.

Matiang’i’s announcement of his presidential ambitions was marked by a significant rally in Kisii, where thousands of supporters gathered. The substantial turnout prompted Gachagua to deploy a team of 20,000 supporters to gauge the authenticity of the enthusiasm. 

"For him to be the President, he must be rallied by his people. There is no way I am going to support him without the backing and numbers of his people. He must present that on the table," Gachagua asserted, emphasising the need for genuine and demonstrable support from Matiang’i’s home region.

Gachagua has made it clear that his support for Matiang’i hinges on the latter’s ability to consolidate backing within the Gusii community. A serious presidential contender, according to Gachagua, must first secure unwavering support from their home region before seeking broader national endorsement. 

"Matiang’i appears qualified, active, and tough. He has what it takes to be president. But does he have the support from home? If Kisii doesn’t rally behind him, where will his candidacy go?" he questioned, highlighting the foundational importance of regional backing.

Beyond regional considerations, Gachagua stresses the need for a unified opposition strategy to effectively challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections. He advocates for setting aside individual ambitions in favour of a collective formula that ensures victory. 

"I am ready to support Matiang’i if the formula settles on him. But it cannot be forced that it must be him. That would mean we’ve lost direction," he explained, emphasising the need for a collaborative and strategic approach. "The most important thing is the formula to remove Ruto. If that formula favours Matiang’i, he will be our candidate and he will win. If it favours me or Kalonzo Musyoka, we will also support and win. But we must work as one team," Gachagua added.

Matiang’i’s entry into the presidential race has injected new complexities into Kenya’s political landscape. His reputation as a stringent administrator during his tenure in the Jubilee government has garnered both admiration and criticism. Supporters view him as a decisive leader capable of tackling the country’s challenges, while detractors question his ability to transition from bureaucratic leadership to the multifaceted demands of national politics.

The opposition coalition seeking to unseat Ruto must navigate internal rivalries and competing interests to present a cohesive and formidable challenge. Gachagua has positioned himself as a key player in this process, emphasising that Kenya’s economic and political issues require a collective effort rather than a singular solution. 

"I don’t have to be president. I can be anything else. But I want to be part of that team. Matiang’i also wants to be part of that team. Kalonzo too. We must put the country above our personal interests," he stated, highlighting the need for selfless collaboration.

As Matiang’i prepares for his return to Kenya following his resignation from the World Bank, his capacity to maintain momentum and solidify his support base will be critical. His upcoming actions will be pivotal in determining whether he can effectively translate his administrative experience into a viable presidential campaign. Meanwhile, Gachagua’s role in shaping the opposition’s strategy remains crucial, as he continues to advocate for a unified front against Ruto.