Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has reignited political speculation and excitement after a Jubilee Party-branded campaign truck bearing his image was spotted outside the party’s headquarters on Monday, June 2 — a clear signal of his intentions to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
The truck, emblazoned in Jubilee’s iconic red and white colors and branded with the slogan “Mbele Pamoja” (Forward Together), featured a prominent portrait of Matiang’i, sparking discussions across the political landscape and on social media.
The sighting comes just days after the Jubilee Party officially endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential flagbearer. It also follows reports that the former CS has resigned from his high-profile role at the World Bank in New York, setting the stage for his political comeback.
According to close allies, Matiang’i is preparing for an extensive nationwide tour to rally support ahead of his 2027 bid.
A well-structured campaign team is reportedly already in place, and he is expected to launch engagements in all 47 counties to share his vision for the country.
“Fred is a performer. Fred is the hope of this country,” said a Jubilee Party insider. “Let us prepare to engage him in conversations that can propel this nation forward.”
The growing momentum around Matiang’i’s return has triggered mixed reactions from Kenyans.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi weighed in, calling the 2027 race for Central Kenya a potential three-horse battle involving President Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and a Uhuru Kenyatta-backed Matiang’i.
“President William Ruto will fight for every vote. Former President Uhuru and his project, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, will be a force to reckon with. Depending on his strategy, Rigathi Gachagua will also be formidable,” Ahmednasir noted on X.
Matiang’i, who served in various powerful dockets under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime — including Education, ICT, and Interior — is widely perceived as a no-nonsense technocrat with a strong track record in public service. His re-entry into politics may provide a fresh and credible face for the opposition in a field that has struggled to challenge President Ruto’s growing dominance.
As the country slowly inches toward the next electoral cycle, all eyes will be on Matiang’i’s next moves — particularly how he navigates Kenya’s complex political terrain, builds coalitions, and connects with the common citizen.
With the slogan “Mbele Pamoja” taking shape and the wheels of his campaign seemingly already in motion, Matiang’i’s political comeback is no longer just a whisper — it’s loud, bold, and unmistakably underway.