Matiang’i’s allies hint at him joining politics in 2027
Allies of former Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i yesterday hinted at him joining politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a get-together in Nyamira, Matiang’i’s allies under the aegis of the Kenyatta University 1990 Class with over 200 members, led by lawyer Danstan Omari, said the former CS would make a major political statement.
Omari said that Matiang’i was readying himself to become the Gusii community’s political torchbearer during the 2027 general election.
Matiang’i has maintained a low profile since the last general election where he played a key role in the last Azimio presidential campaign which unsuccessfully marketed Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid.
“Dr Matiang’i is a member of this group. You know what is going around about his intentions for the country. We are not saying that we are trying to lobby to put him as a presidential candidate. But by all means, we will ensure that he has risen to a level where he can represent our community and the larger Kenyan community at the ballot in 2027,” Omari said.
The professionals, the majority of them educationists holding various key government positions said their common agenda was to support Dr Matiang’i in his political journey going forward.
“What matters most is the interest of our members and supporting them towards realizing the same. We will work hard to make sure that our name as KU 1990 alumni becomes a force of change in society,” said the group’s chairman, Prof Henry Onderi.
Matiang’i’s political aspirations came to the fore in the run-up to the last general election when he formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party.
Supporters of the former Minister portray him as a strong and forthright character and claim he is incorruptible. They recall when he introduced measures to curb rampant exam cheating during his tenure as education minister between 2015 and 2018.