Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has assured Kenyans in the diaspora that their voices will not be ignored in the country’s leadership and governance structures.

Speaking during a public engagement with Kenyans in Minneapolis on Monday, August 4, 2025, Matiang’i said that it is no longer acceptable for the diaspora to contribute financially to the country while being left out of key decision-making processes.

Additionally, the former CS promised that once he concludes his consultations and officially identifies the political party he will run on, he will ensure diaspora inclusion in the list of nominees submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“We cannot love your money without your voice; we must now have your voice, we must have your voice in the management of the affairs of the country,” Matiang’i said.

“I have a promise, and you can hold me to account, that when I am done with my consultation and I have identified the party I am going to run on, I have promises I will present people from the diaspora on the list of nominations from my party to the IEBC.”

He clarified that the nominations would not be limited to the National Assembly alone but would also extend to county-level positions, ensuring that diaspora voices are heard and represented at all levels of government.

“Not just for the National Assembly but also for county positions,” he added.

Polling station

Apart from the nomination slots, the presidential hopeful also pledged to petition the IEBC to increase the number of polling stations in the U.S. to 15 or 20, to allow greater participation by diaspora voters.

“We are working together with these leaders on this petition to the IECB to increase the polling stations in the US to 15 or 20 so that you guys can vote,” he added.

Political party

While Matiang’i says he has yet to choose a political party, the Jubilee Party has declared the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as their preferred presidential candidate in 2027, and the United Progressive Alliance Party (UPA) has endorsed him.

Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the former CS indicated that he was still engaged in broad consultations and that declaring a political party at the moment would disadvantage some of the people he was negotiating with.

“I don’t want to close the door on anyone, I want to have very inclusive, comprehensive and exhaustive discussions with everyone, then we can come together and work on a coalition.”