The return of former Cabinet Minister Fred Matiang’i (left) from the US has emboldened his supporters, who want him to hit the road running and market himself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The former CS, who came back into the country on Thursday night, ended the anxiety among his supporters, who want him to be on the presidential ballot in 2027.

Matiang’i, welcomed by Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and a handful of leaders, accepted the reception and pledged to interact and share more information with Kenyans.

In Kisii, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Secretary General Jacob Bagaka said the former CS has started meeting various groups to consolidate his support base.

“Matiang’i is meeting leaders nationally, women, youths and people living with disabilities to aid him in forming a formidable coalition to win the presidency and take the country to a higher level in terms of development,” Bagaka told the press.

 He said the former CS is the best bet to lead the country, noting that if he wins, he will address myriad challenges facing Kenyans, especially in the education, health and security sectors to improve their lives.

He said Matiang’i is likely to vie through UPA, differing with Jubilee Party SG Jeremiah Kioni, who wants him to contest through the outfit.

 Former Tabaka ward MCA Daniel Apepo has petitioned Matiang’i supporters to stop fighting over the party he will vie for, adding that parties are vehicles leaders use to get elective posts and that Kenyans are concerned with the qualities of leaders, not parties.

“We want to bring everybody on board to campaign for Matiang’i. Our goal is for him to win,” Apepo told People Daily.

He told the Gusii community to stop attacking former Chief Justice David Maraga, who has declared his interest in the presidency, saying the community will eventually back one of them. Echoing his sentiments, politician Richard Atemba said the move by Mt Kenya leaders to campaign for the former CS to clinch the seat is timely.

In Nyamira, Matiang’i’s backers urged him to help reconcile and unite local leaders before moving to other regions.

The elders warned that if the current political waves, wrangles and disunity among the elected leaders from the community are not contained and addressed urgently, they will spoil Matiangi’s campaigns.