Fred Matiang’i, Kenya’s former Interior Cabinet Secretary and newly declared 2027 presidential hopeful, has flown back to the United States just days after announcing his intention to run for the country’s top seat.

The move has sparked intense speculation across the political divide, with critics suggesting that Matiang’i may have gotten cold feet and opted to retreat to his high-profile job at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

However, in a swift rebuttal, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently welcomed Matiang’i into the opposition fold, confirmed that the trip was solely for the purpose of formal resignation and proper transition.

“Matiang’i has gone to hand over and do the honourable thing,” Gachagua told reporters during a media briefing. “I want to ask the people of Kisii to give Matiang’i some opportunity to go back to Washington and hand over. It would be bad manners for him to just leave the job without resigning.”

The announcement comes amid rising political heat surrounding the 2027 elections, with Matiang’i’s entry seen as a game-changer, particularly in the Mount Kenya and Gusii regions. His decision to quit his international post has also been interpreted by supporters as a clear sign of commitment to the presidential race.

Political analysts suggest that the resignation, once confirmed, could bolster Matiang’i’s image as a principled leader willing to walk away from global influence for local leadership.

“He is signaling seriousness,” said political commentator Joel Nyang’au. “Resigning from the World Bank isn’t just a bureaucratic formality — it’s a political message.”

Matiang’i, who served in multiple ministries under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, remains a polarizing figure, but his reputation for discipline and effectiveness continues to attract national attention.

With his formal resignation expected in the coming days, all eyes remain fixed on the former CS as he prepares to chart his next political steps back on home soil.