Dr. Fred Matiang’i has made a strategic comeback to the Kenyan political arena. On April 29, 2025, the former Secretary of Interior, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, convened a high-profile political line-up meeting in Nairobi.
The guest list featured a closed-door session, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Democratic Action Party head Eugene Wamalwa, National Liberation Party’s Martha Karua, ex-National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.
The proximity of the meeting to the planned return of Matiang’i to Kisii on May 7 implies a deliberately planned comeback to the political front. According to reliable sources near the leaders, the talks revolved around opposition unity, strategies addressing Kenya’s top governance and economic challenges, and the possible coalitions prior to the 2027 general election.
Matiang’i was first known as a fearless and tough administrator during his service in the Education and Interior ministries. This background has won him adherents from the entire political spectrum. His return to the political sphere has received a boost through his partnership with experienced politicians. This is not only a resurgence of the memories of the past but many see it as the first step of a presidential election campaign.
The ex-CS’ building his political capital began early in 2025 when the Jubilee Party, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, adopted him as his favorite presidential nominee. Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni commended Matiang’i for his honesty and efficient leadership, which in turn led to a lot of speculation concerning the opposition in Kenya.
Monday’s discussions of the highest level seem to affirm those suspicions. It is indeed the case that opinion leaders who were once separated by the interests of the parties have now turned to a single figure who is a unifying force many people see in Matiang’i.
His coming home to Kisii is projected to pull a multitude from the regional political bigwigs and Members of Parliament to clergy and even the average citizen. Elders of the Kisii Community have received and offered him support encouraging him to go for the president’s seat. What was purportedly set aside as a commemoration of anniversaries of dedicational service is fast turning into a political statement of national concern.
Others in the opposition seem to have their doubts. ODM party leader Raila Odinga gave a rather guarded view as he has been part of the political scene in Kenya for a while now. Though acknowledging the abilities of Matiang’i, Raila upheld his warning on any potential return to tribalism and/or parochial provincial alliances. Rather, he has called them to construct movements that unite and capture the hearts of all Kenyans, irrespective of ethnic background.
Even with this cautionary approach, things on the ground are changing. There is a rising public discontent concerning the cost of living, unemployment rates and unfulfilled commitments by President Ruto’s administration. With such factors coming into play, it appears the people of Kenya are looking for a legitimate answer to their problems and it seems, with his stern and disciplined attitude, Matiang’i may be the ideal candidate.
It is the public’s increasing disenchantment, as well as idle promises for President Ruto’s term, which will shift perceptions on the ground. Matiang’i’s disciplined demeanor gives many people the hope they’ve long sought. His capacity to bring together leaders from different backgrounds including from the opposition on 29 April reflects his possibility to unify diverse perspectives to form a singular vision for an opposing force.
From now on, it is left to be seen whether he will take a leap and make public his endorsement set to happen during
