Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i will make his first public appearance in Gusii region since returning to Kenya on Friday, May 2.
Team Matiang’i Secretariat says Dr. Matiang’i will be accompanied by all elected leaders from the Gusii region, including Governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Senators Momoima Onyonka (Kisii) and Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira), as well as Members of Parliament and Members of County Assemblies.
“The visit will include a meet-the-people tour and official courtesy visits to the offices of the respective Governors of Kisii and Nyamira counties,” the secretariat says.
Key stopovers during the tour include, but not limited to; Kijauri, Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii Town, and Nyamira.
“This visit underscores Dr. Matiang’i’s commitment to listening to the people and reconnecting with the grassroots.”
This will be Matiang’i’s first public engagement since jetting back to the country on April 17, 2025.
Matiang’i joins key opposition figures
The meet-the-people tour comes hot on the heels after Matiang’i joined key opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for a crucial strategic meeting ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.
This meeting technically ended months of speculations about Matiang’i’s political allegiance ahead of the 2027 polls.
Some political quarters believe that a Matiang’i Presidential Candidacy will sell to Kenyans like hot cake. This was evidence ealier this year when two major political parties—United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and Jubilee—were locked in a standoff over which party ticket Matiang’i will use to seek the presidency.
Jubilee, through its Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, has already declared its support for Matiang’i as their presidential candidate. During a presser in February, Kioni stated, “Matiang’i is our candidate. He has the experience, the leadership skills, and the vision that Kenya needs.”
Matiangi’s political rise and influence
Matiang’i is not a new name in Kenya’s governance (and technically, political) landscape. Having served in several key ministerial positions, including Education, ICT, and Interior, he earned a reputation as a no-nonsense administrator with a results-oriented approach.
Under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, Matiang’i was entrusted with significant responsibilities, at one point overseeing multiple ministries in what many saw as a move to consolidate power around him.
His tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary cemented his image as a strong leader, particularly in law enforcement, public order, and governance. His tough stance against illegal activities and his role in implementing government policies made him both admired and feared.
