Panic in Ruto camp as Matiang’i returns to Kenya

By Newsflash Reporter

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has returned to the country from the United States, reigniting widespread speculation about his possible entry into the 2027 presidential race.

Matiang’i landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday night, April 17, at 11:40 p.m. aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Washington, D.C., via Doha.

While he declined to address the media at the airport, he briefly expressed gratitude for a safe journey, stating off-record that he would address the nation at a later date.

He was warmly received by a group of political allies including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.

His return has intensified political chatter, with speculation about his presidential ambitions first surfacing during the Gen Z-led protests on June 25, 2024.

Although he has not publicly declared his intentions, discussions around his potential candidacy have remained active across both political and public spaces.

Powerful legacy and growing support

Matiang’i served in the Cabinet under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, where he held several key positions, including Cabinet Secretary for Information and Communication, Education, and later Interior — one of the most powerful and sensitive dockets. Known for his firm and no-nonsense style, Matiang’i earned both praise and criticism for his tough stance on governance, security, and public sector reforms.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (left) with Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni. Photo/Jeremiah Kioni/X

By the time President Kenyatta left office in 2022, Matiang’i had become one of his most trusted allies and was often viewed as a key player in government operations.

The Jubilee Party, once the ruling party under Kenyatta, has recently thrown its weight behind Matiang’i. Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has been vocal in urging him to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 presidential race.

“We’ve chosen Matiang’i as our flagbearer. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will be the final presidential candidate, but he is our candidate for now. Eventually, he could join forces with others in a coalition to back one unified candidate,” Kioni said in a February press briefing at the party’s Nairobi headquarters.

In addition to support from the Jubilee leadership, several Kisii leaders, including Senator Onyonka, have publicly endorsed his potential candidacy.

The former CS hails from the Kisii region, a political bloc that could prove influential in the next election cycle.

Social media platforms have seen a surge in conversations around his possible challenge to President William Ruto, with opinions sharply divided. Some see him as a fresh alternative in the post-Uhuru era, while others question whether he has the political capital to mount a formidable campaign.

Recent reports have also indicated that Matiang’i has engaged the services of Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madison, signaling potential preparations for a serious presidential run.

While abroad, Matiang’i has been working with the World Bank, stationed in Washington, D.C. However, his allies suggest that he may be stepping away from that role to focus on politics.

“In January, Dr. Fred Matiang’i called me from Latin America, where he works with the World Bank. He told me he was ready to leave his job and return home to join the political movement,” Senator Onyonka said earlier this year.

With his return now official, all eyes are on Matiang’i as the country waits to see whether he will throw his hat into the 2027 presidential ring.