Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has officially announced his intention to run for president in 2027, positioning himself as a reformist candidate determined to unseat President William Ruto. In a wide-ranging interview with Citizen TV, Matiang’i emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption, restoring public trust, and building a united political coalition across the country.
“Kenya doesn’t need a ruler or messiah. It needs a hard-working, honest consensus builder,” said Matiang’i, distancing himself from claims that he is a political project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He insisted that his campaign is independent, though several parties including Jubilee and UPA have expressed interest in backing him.
After two years out of the political spotlight, during which he briefly worked with the World Bank, Matiang’i returned to Kenya in June and immediately reignited political debate. His endorsement by Jubilee Party leaders and meetings with at least eight political parties suggest a serious effort to form a formidable opposition alliance.
Despite never having held elective office, Matiang’i is banking on his national profile, particularly from his powerful tenure as Interior CS. However, he faces criticism for alleged authoritarianism, including police crackdowns and links to controversial scandals like the Ruaraka land deal accusations he firmly denies.
Matiang’i also dismissed comparisons with the Ruto administration’s handling of the Gen Z protests, claiming he would never have allowed such chaos to unfold. “It would not have happened under my watch,” he said.
As President Ruto begins framing the 2027 race as one of “experience versus lack of a plan,” Matiang’i is gearing up for a nationwide campaign tour targeting key political regions including Rift Valley, Central, and Western Kenya. His recent rally in Keroka and surprise meeting with ODM Governor Simba Arati have further fuelled speculation of cross-party negotiations.
Promising to lead by example in the fight against graft, Matiang’i says his campaign is rooted in trust, integrity, and inclusivity. “The fight against corruption must begin with leaders themselves,” he declared, signaling a no-nonsense approach in his bid to transform the country.
