Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has downplayed the presidency declaration of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in the upcoming 2027 general elections, emphasizing that regional voting blocs alone cannot secure Kenya’s top seat.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after meeting with leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties, Raila asserted that winning the presidency requires broad national support.

He dismissed the notion that a single community’s votes can propel a candidate to the coveted position.

“There’s nothing like a community producing a candidate. Someone running for the presidency cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes. If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenyans generally,” Raila stated.

The veteran politician, who has run for the presidency multiple times, emphasized the national nature of Kenya’s top political office.

“You cannot be elected the President of Kenya on the basis of the Kisii votes, or the Luo votes, or the Luhya votes for that matter, or even the Mount Kenya votes,” he explained.

According to Raila, presidential aspirants must build broad-based, cross-regional coalitions to succeed.

“If you want to be elected, you’ll be elected by Kenya generally,” he said.

While appearing to suggest that discussions about presidential candidates were premature at this stage, the former Prime Minister further noted that Matiang’i has not officially declared interest in the presidency.

“That is something we will deal with when the actual time comes. Mr. Matiang’i has not at this stage come out to speak to declare that he wants to run for the presidency, so I don’t know where you are getting that information,” he told journalists.

Gusii support

On January 20, 2025, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka announced that the Abagusii community would support Fred Matiang’i in his presidential bid for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, the outspoken senator described the endorsement of the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as a crucial step in empowering the community to actively shape its political future.

“It is evident that Kenya is ripe for a political/leadership turnaround. We are prepared to be part of this. Therefore, we commit that we will be supporting Dr. Fred Matiang’i as our presidential candidate in the next General Elections. We will be making more announcements on this matter in due course.” Onyonka said.

“The 2010 Constitution liberated us from the servitude of non-democratic actions, curtailing us from making independent choices and participating in political pursuits freely, fairly and pushing for our equitable role in the political front,” part of his presser said.

“Therefore, having keenly scrutinized the current developments in our nation through broad consultations and soul searching, the Gusii Community, guided by our country’s democratic values, we envision for our own party that will propel our political interests at the national level,” Onyonka said.

Jubilee Party endorsement

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni announced that the party has endorsed Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Kioni explained that this decision was reached following consultations with party representatives from across the country.

“This is not to mean that he(Matiangi) become the eventual candidate but a presidential candidate within the party who will join others in coming up with one person who I believe as a coalition in the opposition we will be able to back,” he stated.

Why Matiang’i?

Speaking on January 29, 2025, the Jubilee Secretary-General elaborated on why Matiang’i was chosen.

He argued that Matiang’i possesses a deep understanding of the direction former President Uhuru Kenyatta took during his tenure.

Kioni noted that Matiang’i had implemented various policies in sectors such as security, health, and education, making him well-acquainted with national issues and the country’s developmental trajectory.

“Matiang’i was there with Uhuru for 10 years and he knows where we are going plus all these projects. In fact, he was chairing those cabinet sub-committees.

“In education, he was there, in security he was there and I believe we will quickly sort out the health sector. We need somebody who can get us back on track quickly not again through another circus,” Kioni stated.

However, Kioni emphasized that Matiang’i is still seeking a strong team to support his bid for power in 2027.

He indicated that Matiang’i will engage various leaders, including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua.