A Confident Bid for the Presidency

Fred Matiang’i, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, has announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election. In a   televised interview, he described himself as the opposition’s strongest contender, urging political leaders to rally behind him if they are serious about unseating William Ruto.

He compared the upcoming contest to the historic 2002 election in which Mwai Kibaki defeated a government-backed Uhuru Kenyatta, despite heavy state machinery working against him. According to Matiang’i, the political atmosphere today mirrors that moment of national hunger for change.

A Case Built on Record and Readiness

Matiang’i cited his track record under the Uhuru Kenyatta administration, where he held various powerful dockets and spearheaded sweeping reforms, particularly in education and internal security. He emphasized his global reputation, saying he has the connections and credibility to directly engage with institutions like the World Bank and IMF.

“I am not a newcomer in governance,” Matiang’i said. “If the opposition wants serious results, they must field someone with proven ability, and that person is me.”

Why Ruto’s Days Are Numbered

Matiang’i didn’t mince words about President Ruto’s administration, calling it “incompetent” and “disconnected” from the real struggles facing Kenyans. He aligned himself with the Gen Z-led discontent sweeping across the country, describing it as a symptom of deep societal frustration.

According to him, education funding challenges, high cost of living, and broken promises have pushed many Kenyans to the edge — especially the youth. “People are ready to vote this regime out. They don’t want more slogans, they want substance,” he stated.

A 2002 Moment Reimagined

He insists that the 2027 election won’t just be another political race — it will be a generational referendum. “This is not a normal election. Just like in 2002, Kenyans want an end to the status quo,” he explained. “There is no route back to power for Ruto. The people are not just voting — they’re protesting.”

Critics Push Back

However, not everyone agrees with Matiang’i’s outlook. Critics like Miguna Miguna have cautioned against his candidacy, pointing to his controversial role during past crackdowns and disobedience of court orders. Miguna argues that Matiang’i's record also includes moments that undermined democracy and the rule of law.

Still, Matiang’i seems unfazed, insisting that the Kenyan public has seen both his achievements and the current regime’s failures — and that they will choose competence over charisma in 2027.