Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is stepping up his charm offensive in the Mt Kenya region, returning to Kiambu County for the second time in just three days as he seeks to rally support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
On Sunday, Matiang’i attended a morning mass at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Karuri before joining an afternoon service at Life Church International in Limuru. His message throughout the day was one of unity, hope, and renewed purpose.
“We want to invite those who have decamped from Jubilee, aspirants seeking various elective seats, and new members to join our party. We seek to rebuild ahead of the 2027 polls,” Matiang’i told congregants.
Addressing residents at Karuri Market, he urged Kenyans to embrace peace and faith in their shared future.
“Let us live in peace and unity. With God’s help, if we get power, we will transform our country together,” he said.
Matiang’i’s latest tour marks his sixth visit to Kiambu in a month, where he has held meetings with youth and women’s groups in an apparent bid to consolidate grassroots support.
The renewed activity follows a Jubilee Party delegates meeting held on Friday at Thika Greens, Murang’a County, which he attended alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru publicly endorsed Matiang’i’s leadership credentials during the event.
“I’m supporting Matiang’i because of his capacity, not his tribe. I’ve never even visited his home, but he is a hardworking leader,” Uhuru told delegates.
Matiang’i’s forays into Mt Kenya come at a time when the region remains largely aligned with President William Ruto’s UDA, while Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP continues to cement its base. The Jubilee faction, however, appears to be countering this dominance with quiet but calculated political moves.
Last week, Uhuru — who remains the Jubilee Party leader — cautioned members against using divisive language, urging them instead to campaign peacefully and focus on winning over voters.
“We won’t allow any Jubilee member to insult leaders, including Gachagua or anyone else. We need peace in this country,” he said.
Over the past month, Matiang’i has spent more time in the Mt Kenya region than in his home turf, a move his strategists describe as deliberate — aimed at building broad-based support and capitalizing on Uhuru’s lingering influence in the area.
The former CS now joins other prominent figures — including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah — in what is shaping up to be a crowded race to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
