By THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER, NAIROBI
As the Gen Z pressure continues to shake up the political space and President William Ruto seems to be increasingly losing his grip on the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region almost three years to the 2027 presidential elections, Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i has emerged as a prominent candidate. According to a major daily newspaper in Nairobi, Dr. Matiang’i has allegedly assembled a team that will assess his chances of winning the presidency in 2027. With a career marked by significant achievements and a reputation for efficiency and integrity, Dr. Matiang’i is seen by many, among them the Gen Z youth and his former boss, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, as a strong contender for the highest office in the land.
Indeed, knowledgeable sources told The Dispatch Digital that Matiang’i was being considered as an option to the tried and tested political brigade of Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, to remove President William Ruto from office. With Raila Odinga having removed himself from the equation by his decision to be co-opted into the UDA regime in order to win the AUC Chairmanship, the focus has been on Rigathi Gachagua to take on Ruto, who has apparently decided that he does not need the Kikuyu vote and is actively courting Odinga’s base, as he was when Odinga lost controversially to Mwai Kibaki in 2007. However, it is the speculation that the influential Mt. Kenya regional tycoons and power brokers may have decided to front Dr. Matiang’i as a presidential candidate that not only outs the nail on the region’s support for Ruto, but also makes his candidature an exciting prospect.
Born in Borabu, Nyamira County, in 1967, Dr. Matiang’i’s journey from a humble background to a leading figure in Kenyan politics is inspirational. He attended local primary schools before joining Kiabonyoru Secondary School for his secondary school education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Kenyatta University, a Master’s degree in English from the University of Nairobi, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Kansas. His extensive academic background laid the groundwork for his future roles in public service.
Dr. Matiang’i’s national public service career began in 2013 when he was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT). His tenure in this role saw the digitization of government services, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
In 2015, he took on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education, where he implemented reforms to improve education quality and curb exam cheating. His tough stance on education standards highlighted his commitment to transformative leadership.
In 2017, Dr. Matiang’i was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, overseeing national security and policing. His firm approach to law enforcement and efforts to professionalize the police force were significant aspects of his tenure.
Leadership Style and Public Perception
Known for his pragmatic and results-oriented leadership style, Dr. Matiang’i’s hands-on approach has earned him admiration from many Kenyans. His impromptu visits to government offices and schools to ensure policy implementation have showcased his dedication to public service.
However, his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary was not without controversy. Critics have accused him of heavy-handedness in his security measures. Despite this, his supporters argue that his methods were necessary to restore order and security in a country facing numerous challenges.
Public perception of Dr. Matiang’i remains largely positive, particularly among those who value efficiency and accountability in government. His track record of implementing reforms has bolstered his credibility as a presidential candidate.
Political Environment and Alliances
Kenya’s political landscape is characterized by shifting alliances and intense competition. Dr. Matiang’i has garnered support from key political figures, including President Uhuru Kenyatta, and he once enjoyed the support of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. His ability to transcend ethnic and regional divides enhances his appeal as a unifying candidate, a critical factor in Kenyan politics. Matiang’i has also been mentioned by the youthful Gen Z as a favorable candidate for the presidency who could implement the reforms they are fighting for and tackle corruption.
While Gachagua may have been the best candidate to pocket the Mt. Kenya vote and beat Ruto in 2027, he has been saddled with the baggage of fighting local politicians who work at the behest of Ruto and has been branded a tribalist. For this reason, the attention turned to Musyoka, who was Kibaki’s Vice President between 2007 and 2013 but was sidestepped when Uhuru Kenyatta was endorsed by Kibaki due to tribal considerations. Until a few weeks ago, Musyoka had been hoping, which some thought was delusional and mostly against hope, that Odinga could back him in 2027. This was despite it being obvious to many observers that Odinga had no such intention and was leaning towards the side that offered buttered bread: Ruto’s. Without Odinga’s support, Musyoka’s ambitions could be in tatters unless the opposition fails to get another credible candidate and Gachagua decides to throw in his lot with Musyoka.
The complication is that by many indicators, Gachagua has decided he will run for President in 2027 and may choose a running mate from Nyanza, where Matiang’i comes from, Western, or might run with Musyoka, who is, however, said to be unwilling to play second fiddle to another candidate. In many of these scenarios, Musyoka appears to be the weaker candidate who may not have an option other than running with another candidate at the top for the fourth time. There are also indications that the backers of Matiang’i’s candidature, who are from Central Kenya, want hi to tam up with former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe as his running mate. However, Kagwe’s slow and measured manner, unwilling to get deep inti the murk of political thuggery that characterises Kenyan politics, has been a limiting factor and they may be looking elsewhere to firm up Matiangi’s candidature, which will also neutralise the perception that the Kikuyu only pursue power for themselves.
Matiang’i’s chances, at least academically, appear bright. He will come with the solid support of the two Gusii counties of Kisii and Nyamira, and if he approaches them, thirty percent of Migori County in the Abakuria. Depending on who he works with, he is also an attractive candidate for Western Kenya, which could be a battleground pitting him against Ruto and whichever side Eugene Wamalwa and George Natembeya join. As it seems likely that Wamalwa is angling to become Musyoka’s running mate, that vote is likely to be split, and Matiang’i is advised to concentrate his efforts on the Southern Luhya—the Maragoli, Isukha, Tiriki, Maracho, Marama, Banyore—although even here he will have to contend with the influence of former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Prime CS Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, both of whom will be campaigning for UDA.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite his impressive credentials and support base, Dr. Matiang’i faces significant challenges. The highly competitive political environment will require him to navigate party politics, coalition-building, and voter dynamics. Critics may exploit controversies from his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary during the campaign.
One primary challenge is convincing voters of his ability to transition from a technocratic role to the presidency, which requires broader political acumen and an emotional connection with the electorate.
However, Dr. Matiang’i’s candidacy presents significant opportunities. His emphasis on education, security, and governance aligns with the priorities of many Kenyans disillusioned with traditional politics. His track record of reforms and reputation for integrity resonate with a large segment of the electorate.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i stands as a formidable candidate with a compelling vision for the country’s future. His journey from humble beginnings to the highest echelons of public service exemplifies dedication and transformative leadership. While his path to the presidency is fraught with challenges, his proven track record and strong support base position him as a credible contender for Kenya’s next president.
In the coming months, Dr. Matiang’i will need to galvanize support, build strategic alliances, and articulate a clear vision for Kenya’s future. If successful, he stands a strong chance of becoming Kenya’s next president, offering a beacon of hope for progress in Kenyan politics.