Former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, jetted back to the country Thursday night from the United States amid speculations over his intentions to run for President in the upcoming 2027 General Elections.
Matiang’i touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), at 11.40 pm Thursday 17, aboard Qatar Airways from Washington via Qatar.
He said he is on holiday and declined to address the press but “thanked God for the good journey” off-record, saying he would speak to the nation later.
“We thank God for the good journey. I am on holiday and will speak later,” he said.
Dr. Matiang’i was received by various leaders including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba among others.
He works for World Bank and is based in Washington DC.
Matiangi comes back amid widespread speculations over his presidential ambitions, reports that broke during the June, 25 Gen Z-led protests.
The talks have since remained active in the country’s political scene.
He has however not declared publicly on his intentions to run for the seat.
The former CS who served during the 4th President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, has remained tight-lipped on the matter.
His arrival comes shortly after the Jubilee party had also declared support for his candidature in the 2027 General Elections.
On several occasions, the party’s Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has announced the party’s support for Matiang’i even as they wooed him to fly the party’s flag.
A section of Kisii leaders including, Senator Onyonka has also publicly endorsed his candidature.
This emerged after discussions about Matiang’i plans to challenge President Ruto in the upcoming elections flooded social media, with the talks attracting opposition and support in equal measure.
The United Progressive Alliance Party (UPA) announced it would now go to polls in 2027 with a new livery, symbol and slogan.
A meeting by the party’s National Executive Council officials in Kisii resolved a radical rebranding of the outfit to make it more accommodative.
The party is mostly associated with Matiangi.
Party officials hinted Matiangi would jet back the country in a fortnight to get officially launch his bid.
“Besides setting in motion talks to change the slogan, we are also are also growing more inclusive especially on women and youth,” party chair Amos Nyaribo,also Nyamira Governor said.
According to Nyaribo the fresh amendments form part of long and broader strategic realignments to secure victory in 2027.
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