Matiang’i confirms exit from World Bank to focus on presidential ambitions
By Ascah Mwango, July 2, 2025Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has announced that he is ending his stint at the World Bank in Washington, DC, to fully focus on his presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the former CS confirmed that he had notified the World Bank of his decision not to renew his contract.
He said he had submitted a letter indicating his departure from the international lender to participate in Kenya’s political affairs.
“I have indicated to the World Bank that I am leaving. I have indicated that when my contract comes up for review, I will not renew it. In other words, I have given in my letter of departure from the bank to come and participate in public affairs in Kenya,” Matiang’i stated.
Matiang’i returned to the country on June 21, 2025, after spending several weeks in the United States, where he formally tendered his resignation.
He had left Kenya on May 18, 2025, shortly after publicly declaring his presidential bid on May 2.
His return was met with excitement among his political allies. Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni welcomed him at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, saying that it was now “all systems go” for Matiang’i’s campaign.
Matiang’i, who served as a powerful minister during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, joined the World Bank in September 2022 after leaving government.
His decision to step down from a high-profile international role is seen as a bold political gamble as he seeks to build momentum for his campaign.
Presidential viability
In March this year, ODM leader Raila Odinga publicly questioned Matiang’i’s presidential viability during a consultative meeting in Kisii.
Odinga cautioned against tribal-based politics and dismissed the idea that a candidate could rise to the presidency solely based on support from their ethnic community.
He argued that winning the presidency requires a national outlook and warned against campaigns that relied on ethnic backing. Odinga emphasised that no one can become president based only on the Kisii, Luo, Luhya, or Mount Kenya vote.
“There is nothing like a community producing a presidential candidate. Somebody who is running for the presidency runs for the presidency of Kenya. You cannot be elected the president of Kenya based on the Kisii vote, the Luo vote, the Luhya, or even the Mount Kenya vote, for that matter,” Odinga stated on March 6, 2025.