Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i quietly jetted back into the country on Thursday night, reigniting speculation over his possible bid for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 General Elections.
Matiang’i touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11:40 p.m. aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Washington, D.C., via Doha. Upon arrival, he declined to speak to the press but offered a brief off-the-record comment, thanking God for a safe journey and promising to address the nation at a later date.
The former CS was welcomed by a host of political allies and supporters, including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, among others. Their presence at the airport added fuel to ongoing discussions surrounding Matiang’i’s political future.
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His return comes in the wake of persistent speculation over his presidential ambitions, which intensified following the Gen Z-led protests held on June 25, 2024. During and after the demonstrations, many young Kenyans voiced support for Matiang’i, praising his firm leadership style during his time in government. This support has since evolved into a national conversation about his suitability to run for the highest office.
The Jubilee Party has openly declared its support for Matiang’i, with Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni stating earlier in February that the party had settled on him as their presidential candidate. Kioni emphasized that while Matiang’i may not necessarily become the ultimate opposition flagbearer, he would be Jubilee’s representative in coalition negotiations aimed at producing a unified candidate.
A section of leaders from the Kisii region, including Senator Onyonka, has also publicly endorsed Matiang’i, describing him as a capable and visionary leader with the potential to unite the country.
Though Matiang’i himself has yet to officially confirm his intentions, his low-key return is widely seen as the beginning of a more active engagement with the Kenyan political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls. His track record in the education, ICT, and interior ministries continues to resonate with many Kenyans, particularly those seeking a leadership style rooted in discipline and accountability.