Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has flown back to the United States after spending the Christmas holiday in Kenya which he also used to strategise for his upcoming presidential bid.
Matiangi is one of the main contenders in the 2027 presidential race. Analysts have predicted that he stands a good chance of giving President William Ruto a run for his money given his remarkable performance as a public servant during the Jubilee administration.
The former CS has for the two three years been residing in Washington DC since his Karen house was raided by the police in March 2023. He came back to Kenya for the first time in December.
His presidential candidature has created a buzz, especially among the Gen-Z and non-tribal Kenyans who are yearning for a change in leadership. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah are all seeking to win over the Gen Z vote to unseat Ruto
Sources suggest that Matiang’i has engaged the services of a global lobbying firm to support his campaign ambitions.
The consultancy group, credited with helping Botswana President Duma Boko secure his recent electoral victory, is believed to have been hired at a reported cost of KSh 32 million.
While Matiang’i has not officially declared his candidacy, a lot of work is being done in the background in preparation for the high-stakes 2027 general election.
His political party, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has embarked on grassroots mobilisation, with the party keen on expanding its presence to other regions from its base in Gusii region.
UPA National Chairman Nyambega Gisesa said the party is set to conduct its primaries in February this year and has already started the process of mobilising more people to join.
UPA leaders recently met to discuss the viability of Matiang’i’s candidature, with many agreeing that he qualifies to vie under the party going by his track record as a cabinet secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.