Why Dr. Fred Matiang’i might not vie for Presidency in 2027 to support President Ruto

Kenya is heading into another general election in two years, and President William Ruto will be seeking re-election for his final term in office.

However, winning the presidency for a second time will not be an easy task. He will face strong competition from several leaders who have already expressed interest in the seat, making the 2027 race highly contested.

One of the names being mentioned as a potential candidate is former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i. Many youths have endorsed him as the best person to take over from Ruto.

Although Matiang’i has not officially declared his candidacy, rumors suggest that his associated party, UPA, has begun efforts to popularize itself in preparation for the election.

This could indicate that he is laying the groundwork for a possible presidential bid.To secure a win in 2027, Ruto is working on building political alliances with key figures who have influence in the country.

Among the leaders he is engaging are former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

These two have been major players in Kenyan politics for years, and their support could boost Ruto’s chances. By forming friendships with such leaders, he aims to expand his political base and weaken any opposition that may threaten his re-election.

If Ruto wants to bring Matiang’i to his side, he can use Uhuru Kenyatta as a bridge. Matiang’i and Uhuru have had a close working relationship for a long time, and Matiang’i deeply respects his former boss.

Through Uhuru, Ruto could attempt to convince Matiang’i to support his re-election bid instead of running against him.

This strategy would help Ruto neutralize a potential competitor and gain support from Matiang’i’s followers.

However, even if Uhuru approaches Matiang’i on Ruto’s behalf, there is no guarantee that he will accept the offer. Matiang’i may choose to follow his own political path and pursue the presidency.

His decision will depend on various factors, including the political landscape in 2027, public support, and the strength of his party.

If he believes he has a strong chance of winning, he is likely to reject any attempts to bring him into Ruto’s camp.

At this point, it remains uncertain whether Matiang’i will contest for the presidency or align himself with another candidate.

Political strategies will continue to unfold in the coming years, and the final decision will only be clear as the election draws closer. For now, the focus remains on how different leaders will position themselves ahead of the crucial 2027 polls.