Big Political Twist: Matiang’i to Lead Coalition That Could End Ruto’s Reign
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is quietly setting the stage for a 2027 presidential bid, which could directly challenge President Ruto’s grip on the political scene.
Matiang’i, once one of the most powerful figures in the Jubilee government, has put together a technical committee to chart his path to State House. The team is looking into merger options and the formation of a broad coalition party that will be his main political vehicle.
On August 21, Matiang’i chaired a meeting with leaders from six parties—UPA, Jubilee, DEP (Bus), PDP, KSC and PNU—where they discussed uniting under one umbrella. Sources say former President Uhuru Kenyatta will soon step down as Jubilee Party leader and hand over the reins to Matiang’i during the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) which is coming up. This will be a big shift in the political landscape.
The technical team has also been tasked with mobilising at the grassroots and draft a manifesto that captures Matiang’i’s reform agenda. He is positioning himself as a leader with experience, composure and networks to rescue Kenya from what he calls a failing regime.
At a funeral in Nyamira County’s Kitutu Masaba Constituency on August 29, Matiang’i attacked the Kenya Kwanza government, saying it was corrupt and misgoverned.
“This is nothing but gluttony and theft of resources. Someone is quickly sinking the country,” Matiang’i said.
His 2027 plan will be anchored on three key promises: integrity in government, fixing the economy and investment in human capital.
Interestingly, insiders say Matiang’i’s campaign model is borrowing from Ruto’s 2022 “hustler nation” approach, with smaller, more intimate ward and constituency-level meetings instead of big rallies. The strategy is to build stronger connections with grassroots voters ahead of the 2027 high-stakes contest.
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Big Political Twist: Matiang’i to Lead Coalition That Could End Ruto’s Reign