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• Fri Apr 18 2025

One-time Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i is in Kenya after a long while of setting base abroad

Matiang'i landed in Nairobi on Thursday evening, April 17, and was received by a host of politicians led by Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni

Kioni has been categorical that Matiang'i will be the Jubilee Party's presidential candidate in the 2027 vote

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has returned to Kenya after his long stay abroad.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i (in checkered shirt) addressing the press after landing in Kenya on Friday, April 18. Photo: Jeremiah Kioni.

Source: Twitter

How Matiang'i landed in Kenya

Matiang'i, who had set base in the United States of America (USA) after his quiet departure early in 2023, jetted back on Thursday evening, April 17.

He was received by a host of politicians, led by Jubilee Party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni.

Kioni suggested that Matiang'i was back in the country to popularise his presidential bid.

"It's all systems go!" Kioni tweeted.

The Jubilee Party has declared Matiang'i as its presidential flagbearer in the upcoming vote.

But even as Matiang'i's bid is hyped, some quarters believe it could be a tall order for him to succeed in it.

What should Matiang'i do with his presidential bid?

Raila Odinga is among the people doubting Matiang'i's chances at the presidential ballot.

Speaking in Kisii in March, the ODM leader observed that Matiang'i, a native of the Gusii community, might be relying on tribal backing for his political ambitions, which he (Raila) argued is insufficient for one to secure the presidency.

Drawing from his own experience as a five-time presidential contender, Raila advised Matiang'i to publicly declare his intentions and build alliances across Kenya if he truly aims to lead the nation.

Matiang'i's ambitions were revealed earlier in the year by Kisii senator Richard Onyonka.

The senator, who often claimed to be Matiang'i's emissary, expressed confidence in the former CS's suitability for leadership.

Onyonka revealed that Matiang'i planned to rally support from prominent national figures, including former president Uhuru Kenyatta, former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Raila, and former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka, among others.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'io (pictured) returned to Kenya on Thursday, April 17. Photo: Fred Matiang'i.

Source: Twitter

Fred Matiang'i's stint in public service

Hailing from Nyamira county, Matiang'i earned a reputation for his firm and decisive approach in the various government roles he held.

His public service journey began in 2013 when Uhuru appointed him as the Cabinet secretary for ICT.

A father of two, Matiang'i transitioned from academia to public service, having taught at the University of Nairobi and Egerton University.

After a relatively short stint in the ICT Ministry, he later served as the acting CS for the Ministry of Lands before substantively taking charge of the Education docket.

Matiang'i gained significant recognition for his efforts to eliminate widespread cheating in national examinations, a routine challenge until 2015.

His career peaked when he was appointed to lead the Ministry of Interior following the death of Joseph Nkaissery.

However, his tenure in the Interior docket was controversial, as he faced allegations of endorsing police brutality during anti-government protests, especially at the height of the dispute regarding the 2017 presidential election results.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke