Why former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i resigned from World Bank post

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i resigned from his World Bank job to focus fully on his presidential campaign, insiders say.

Matiang'i's right-hand man in his presidential bid, Richard Onyonka, revealed to The Eastleigh Voice on Saturday that the former CS left his job to fully concentrate on his bid, following pressure from his supporters.

"I can confirm to you that the reason Matiang'i resigned from his job at the World Bank is to enable him to fully concentrate on his presidential dream. His supporters have been demanding that he talk to them directly," said Onyonka.

The Kisii Senator said Matiang'i is expected to return to Kenya within 10 days after formally handing over his World Bank duties in Washington.

Matiang'i, a former powerful Cabinet Secretary under President Uhuru Kenyatta, is expected to return by June 21 to resume his 2027 presidential campaign after declaring his candidacy on May 2.

In his revelation, Onyonka said an elaborate schedule for a meet-the-people tour countrywide has been drawn.

"Immediately he lands, he will visit all corners of the country to meet his supporters who have been asking about his candidacy," said Onyonka.

Formidable candidate

According to him, Matiang'i is the most formidable candidate that the opposition can bank on to challenge President William Ruto's reelection attempt.

Matiang'i left the country on May 18 and travelled to the United States to formally resign from the World Bank, where he has served since September 2022.

Onyonka confirmed that Matiang'i handed over his responsibilities at the World Bank on May 30 and could return to Kenya at any moment.

"His work at the World Bank is done, and he has resigned. We expect the CS back in Kenya anytime now," said Onyonka.

His return comes at a time when the Jubilee Party has launched an aggressive rebranding campaign for Matiang'i's 2027 bid.

Official declaration

Matiang'i departed the country following a month-long political blitz that shook the national landscape, culminating in his official declaration to run for president in 2027.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• Jubilee Party
• 2027 elections
• Fred Matiang'i
• Richard Onyonka
• Gusii Stadium
• Nyambega Gisesa
• Why former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i resigned from World Bank post
• Politics

Having recently joined Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's opposition camp, Matiang'i has become a central figure in Kenya's evolving political discourse.

During his homecoming in Kisii on May 2, Matiang'i assured supporters that he would return to the US to respectfully hand over his international duties before resuming his campaign.

"You have asked me to come and serve this country. Do you want me to leave that job and come back to serve you? I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country," he said.

Opposition's flag bearer

United Progressive Alliance Party National Chairperson Nyambega Gisesa said they are fronting the former CS as a suitable candidate to be the opposition coalition's flag bearer.

"We have faith that Matiang'i will be the sole opposition candidate to face Ruto and his allies. In our view, he's the most formidable and popular across the country right now," said Gisesa.

Speaking at Gusii Stadium during his homecoming, Matiang'i announced that he had finally decided to pursue the presidency after receiving numerous requests from Kenyans.

"I am ready to be president of Kenya," he declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.

On May 12, Gachagua hinted that Matiang'i would be travelling to Washington to formally step down from his World Bank position.

Speaking during a radio interview with the Gusii community, Gachagua urged supporters to be patient.

"I know we will, but I want to wish my brother Matiang'i the very best. I want to ask the people of Kisii to give Matiang'i an opportunity to go back to Washington to hand over. It would be bad manners for him to just leave the job without resigning," Gachagua said.