- Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i landed at JKIA on Thursday night from the US, where he had been working with the World Bank.
- He was received by key political figures, including Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
- Jubilee Party has officially endorsed Matiang’i to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 general elections.
- Kioni emphasized the need to back a leader from a minority community.
- Rigathi Gachagua revealed discussions with Matiang’i and other leaders to form a united political front ahead of the polls.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is back in the country after spending time in the United States, where he was engaged in assignments with the World Bank. He arrived on the evening of Thursday, April 17, via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Warm Welcome from Political Allies
Matiang’i was received at the airport by a group of notable leaders including Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, and UDA-nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba. The leaders exchanged pleasantries, with photos capturing warm handshakes and smiles at the arrival terminal.
Jubilee Declares Matiang’i as Its 2027 Flagbearer
The former CS’s homecoming comes shortly after Jubilee Party publicly declared its support for him as their presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 election. During a grassroots meeting in Narok on January 25, Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that the party has settled on Matiang’i to face off with President Ruto.
“Fred Matiang’i is our choice. He served this party for over a decade, and now we want him to step up. Let’s organize, register members, and spread the word peacefully,” Kioni told party supporters.
Minority Representation at the Forefront
Kioni added that Jubilee seeks to rally behind a leader from a minority group, pushing for unity in voting patterns to increase the chances of success. He hinted that past divisions cost them and called for a unified vote in the next election cycle.
“This time, let’s not split votes. We are standing with a candidate from a minority community — this is our moment,” Kioni emphasized.
New Political Wave: Gachagua Hints at Teaming Up with Matiang’i
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dropped a political bombshell by naming Matiang’i among leaders he is currently engaging in talks with to form a powerful alliance ahead of 2027. Speaking on April 15, Gachagua said a new coalition could be on the horizon.
“We’ve heard Kenyans. They want unity and effective leadership. That’s why I’m holding discussions with leaders like Kalonzo, Eugene, Natembeya, and Matiang’i. We have a plan,” Gachagua noted.
As alliances begin to take shape and endorsements roll in, Fred Matiang’i’s political comeback is quickly gaining momentum, potentially reshaping the landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
