Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has officially announced his intentions to contest the presidency in 2027.

Matiang’i made the declaration in Kisii on Friday during his maiden return to the region after a long absence since 2022, when Kenya Kwanza took over the reins of power.

His move rolls in motion a journey to upset President William Ruto, who is hoping to win another term and has assembled a team to market his reelection.

For a man who portrayed himself as a strong man as a civil servant during his stints as a cabinet secretary for Education and in the Interior docket, all eyes are on how he will transition to the murky political waters against one of the country’s pragmatic politicians-Ruto.

Speaking in Ekegusii, Matiang’i said he was ready to take up the challenge as a presidential bidder, but not after inquiring from the crowd if he would count on them in their calling for him to stand for presidency.

“When I finished my work in the past regime, I moved out of the country to continue with another assignment. But the kind of overwhelming invitations I received over the times I have been away are such a great force that propelled me to come back. Will you support me on my way up?” Matiang’i asked the jubilant crowd that had filled Gusii Stadium to the last man.

The man who received a heroic welcome in Gusii region assured his supporters that he is ready to go for the prize and is assembling a campaign juggernaut to propel him to the seat.

“I have spoken it now from my own mouth. I am ready,” he said.

The former Cabinet Secretary said he had decided to also plunge his head into the presidential race because he strongly feels he has the capacity and ability to address the many challenges which the country is facing.

He said all Kenyans know that the country is not in the right trajectory.

His only word to President Ruto was that he should stop complaining about challenges but confront them with real solutions.

“When there are challenges like we are having currently, let’s not pretend that all is well,” he said before asking Kenyans not to lose hope in the country.

Matiang’i assured that he will do everything to reverse the current situation in the country should he be given the job.

“All these problems we have will be overcome and if God helps us we shall fix our country and all will be well,” he said.

He said he has made up his mind to resign from his job in the US in a bid to serve the interest of Kenyans who want his services, saying he will write a letter to quit the job.

“I will write a very good resignation letter and tell them that now I want to go back home and serve my people because they have called me there,” he said.

The former CS asserted the presidential seat was not given by any individual but by Kenyans who do so through voting.

Matiang’i was welcomed in a triumphal entry by a mammoth crowd in Keroka, Nyamira, Kijauri, and Ikonge, being halted for nearly the entire day.

And as part of an effort to rally support in his backyard, several leaders from the region, including ODM elected leaders, joined Matiang’i and threw their weight behind his political ambitions.

Governor Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Kisii governor (Simba Arati), Ruto’s right-hand man Joash Nyamoko, who is also the chairperson of Gusii Parliamentarians, Nominated Senator Gloria Oroba, and former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemos all turned up for Matiang’i.

Questions, however, remain whether the entry of Matiang’i will wane the strong support that ODM leader Raila Odinga has always enjoyed from the region. In his last visit to the region a few months ago, Raila was treated to boos from residents who are unhappy with Ruto’s administration.

Yesterday, the crowd welcomed Matiang’i with jubilation as they vowed to back him for the presidency. Leaders, too, applauded him for taking a step to throw himself in the world of politics.  

Addressing the gathering, Mr Kemosi, who was Ruto’s chief campaigns coordinator in Nyanza towards the 2022 election, said it was high time that the country experienced leadership of a person with proven capabilities that were in record from his past records.

“We are happy to be on this journey with one of our own. The journey has just started, and all that we want now is to push Matiang’i to the Statehouse. We will not look back,” Kemosi said.

Nyamoko welcomed Matiang’i home and expressed his optimism over his candidature in the 2027 polls.

According to Nyamoko, Gusii Community has enough that it will take to have a National leader.

“We can’t wait to have one of our own at the helm of power. That’s how our community shall change,” the second-term MP said.

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi noted that the country was ripe for a Matiangi presidency and that he will clinch the seat.

UDA Nominated Senator, Orwoba spoke against non-inclusivity in the Ruto administration and vowed to rally all other women behind Matiang’i.

“As a woman, I am out to enter a place where I am safe and where all other women will be safe. And if it will.mean it’s Matiang’i who has that house, I welcome all others to join in and help him to win,” She said.

Kisii Senator Onyonka affirmed that Matiang’i will be the proverbial heaven-sent messenger who will do anything to lift up the lowest Kenyan.

“Matiang’i will fight for us all. He will lead us to better grounds where education for all will be achieved. That is the ground where all people will be respected and accorded their dignity,” Onyonka said.

O’Mogeni, the Nyamira Senator, on his part, said the community will propel Matiang’i to presidency only if the newly founded unity among leaders is held tightly and members rally to register as voters.

“I speak as a legal counsel. Talking as one community, let all men meet at the ballot,” Mogeni said.

Governor Nyaribo said he was awed by the huge turnout of people who wanted to hear Dr Matiang’i announce his intentions for 2027.

Nyaribo told residents to register as voters and ensure they take part in choosing leaders in 2027.

Arati told Matiang’i to ensure he consolidates support from all regions of the country for him to be assured of a win.

“We can now permit you to go to all places of this country and seek support from all Kenyan communities,” Arati said.