Gusii elders back Matiang’i to vie for presidency in 2027 elections
Despite the endorsements and growing speculation, Matiang’i has maintained a low profile since leaving office and has not publicly declared his presidential ambitions.
Gusii elders have endorsed former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to be a candidate in the 2027 presidential race, declaring their support for his bid.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the elders, led by Former Kisii County Assembly Speaker David Kombo, said his track record across various ministries demonstrates his capability to lead the country, citing his commitment to service delivery and governance.
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“We, the leaders from South Mugirango Constituency, together with residents of the larger Gusii region, wish to publicly declare our unwavering support for Dr Fred Matiang’i as he seeks the high office of the President of the Republic of Kenya in the year 2027. As a son of the Gusii community and a proven servant of the Kenyan people, Matiang’i’s stellar track record speaks for itself,” Kombo said.
The elders highlighted Matiang’i’s performance in the administration of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, where he served in multiple key ministries.
“His unmatched performance in the Uhuru Kenyatta administration showcased his dedication, competence, and vision for a better Kenya,” they noted.
As the Cabinet secretary for the Ministry of ICT, the elders noted that Matiang’i spearheaded groundbreaking reforms that expanded digital access across the country, fostering innovation and improving government service delivery.
They said one of his most notable achievements was overseeing the grand digital migration of Kenya’s media industry and several government services.
They also insisted that at the Ministry of Education, he instituted strict reforms that restored credibility to the national examination system, ensuring integrity and meritocracy.
“He regularised the payment of school fees and capitation, streamlined school transport and improved the admission process for secondary schools and higher education institutions. The introduction and management of the Edu Afya medical cover for students was another milestone in his tenure,” they said.
The elders praised Matiang’i for implementing measures that enhanced national security during his time as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Coordination. They said the former CS streamlined government operations and instilled a culture of accountability and efficiency in one of the most complex ministries in government.
In January, former president Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party announced that it had settled on Matiang’i as its presidential flag bearer in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni disclosed that the former Interior Cabinet Secretary was well suited to challenge President William Ruto in the next polls.
“We are looking for a person that can unify the country. Who is this name that more people can rally around? We are looking at a bully in the name of William. Who is this person who can look at William eyeball to eyeball and tell him off?” Kioni asked.
He further revealed that the Jubilee Party had decided to back a candidate from outside the Mount Kenya region, despite enjoying strong support there.
“We are picking somebody from outside the mountain, somebody from a small community, and a name that is known. The 2010 Constitution allows us to pick a candidate from any corner of the country,” he said.
With the 2027 polls just two years away, Kioni did not clarify whether the decision had been ratified by the Jubilee Party’s National Executive Council ahead of the National Delegates Conference.
However, he emphasised that Matiang’i had demonstrated the ability to steer the country in the right direction, particularly when he played a key role in Kenyatta’s administration following his falling-out with Ruto.
“When Uhuru was running the country and William Ruto decided to go to the rooftop campaigning when they were called ‘tangatanga,’ the person who was left deputising Uhuru was Matiang’i. He was the one helping Uhuru to manage the country,” Kioni said.
“We want a person who can make the NHIF work by tomorrow, like Trump signing executive orders and we see things moving immediately.”
Despite the endorsements and growing speculation, Matiang’i has maintained a low profile since leaving office and has not publicly declared his presidential ambitions. However, reports indicate that he may be preparing to contest for the highest office.
Last year, Matiang’i was rumoured to be eyeing the presidency after hiring a Montreal-based Canadian lobbying firm for $250,000 to garner international support.
In addition to Jubilee’s endorsement, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party has also indicated that Matiang’i is set to be its presidential flag bearer. UPA National Chairman Nyambega Gisesa stated that the party had already begun grassroots mobilisation ahead of its primaries scheduled for February this year.
The UPA, chaired by Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, now faces the challenge of expanding its presence beyond the Gusii region as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
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