Fred Matiang’i is setting the stage for a major political comeback with his recent statements that he intends to run for the presidency in 2027.
During his visit to Meru County, he presented himself as a reformist who wants to bring back order and proper management in key sectors of the country.
He promised that his leadership would mirror the kind of strict and results-driven approach he was known for when he worked with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Matiang’i highlighted that the education sector has suffered under the current government, with schools left in financial strain due to delays in capitation.
He reminded Kenyans that during his time in government, parents did not have to shoulder examination fees because the state had taken responsibility.
Today, however, school heads are forced to turn to parents for money, and this, he argued, is unfair and a sign of poor governance. He called on Kenyans to trust him with the presidency so that he can restore the systems that once work.
Matiang’i also used his tour to address politics beyond education. He dismissed speculation that the united opposition is falling apart, instead insisting that they are determined to remain together and form the next government.
He argued that unity is the only way to win against a sitting regime and that attempts to divide them through violence or intimidation would not succeed.
He sent a warning to those trying to destabilize opposition politics, saying they were misguided if they thought goons could shake their resolve. The emphasis on a united opposition was key because in previous elections, the opposition has often lost ground due to failure to rally behind one candidate. Matiang’i believes that if leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Rigathi Gachagua, and himself can find common ground, then the opposition has a strong chance of taking power in 2027.
On the other side, President William Ruto is navigating a delicate balance. He has managed to secure the support of Raila Odinga, a move that has given him access to Raila’s traditional support base. However, this has not been without tension.
Senior ODM leaders have repeatedly dismissed claims that the party will support Ruto in 2027, even as Raila himself continues to publicly affirm his loyalty to Ruto beyond that year. This contradiction has caused uncertainty among ODM supporters, many of whom remain skeptical about aligning with the current government.
Ruto also faces resistance in the Mt Kenya region, where a section of voters is unwilling to back him due to differences with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political approach.
The 2027 race is already shaping up to be highly competitive, with shifting alliances and heated debates over leadership.
Matiang’i is positioning himself as the candidate of reform and order, hoping to attract those frustrated with the current state of affairs. His promise to fix education and his push for a united opposition could become defining pillars of his campaign.
His message in Meru has set the tone for what might become one of the most intense presidential contests in Kenya’s recent history.
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