Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is expected to jet back to Kenya within three weeks after officially handing over his duties as a World Bank staffer in Washington.
The powerful Kenyatta-era CS is set to return by June 21 to continue his 2027 presidential campaign, following his May 2 declaration that he is ready to vie for the top seat.
Matiang’i left the country on May 18 and travelled to the United States to formally resign from the World Bank, where he has served since September 2022.
Insiders confirmed that Matiang’i handed over his responsibilities at the World Bank on May 30 and could return to Kenya at any moment.
“His work at the World Bank is done, and he has resigned. We expect the CS back in Kenya anytime now, and definitely by June 21,” said a senior figure familiar with Matiang’i’s plans.
His return comes at a time when the Jubilee party has launched an aggressive rebranding campaign for Matiang’i’s 2027 bid.
Matiang’i departed the country following a month-long political blitz that shook the national landscape, culminating in his official declaration to run for president in 2027.
Having recently joined Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s opposition camp, Matiang’i has become a central figure in Kenya’s evolving political discourse.
During his homecoming in Gusii on May 2, Matiang’i assured supporters that he would return to the US to respectfully hand over his international duties before resuming his campaign.
“You have asked me to come and serve this country. Do you want me to leave that job and come back to serve you? I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country,” he said.
Speaking at Gusii Stadium, Matiang’i announced that he had finally decided to pursue the presidency after receiving numerous requests from Kenyans.
“I am ready to be President of Kenya,” he declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.
On May 12, Gachagua hinted that Matiang’i would be travelling to Washington to formally step down from his World Bank position. Speaking during a radio interview with the Gusii community, Gachagua urged supporters to be patient.
“I know we will, but I want to wish my brother Matiang’i the very best. I want to ask the people of Kisii to give Matiang’i an opportunity to go back to Washington to hand over. It would be bad manners for him to just leave the job without resigning,” Gachagua said.
News of Matiang’i’s departure sparked speculation, with some political rivals suggesting he had developed cold feet and was retreating to his international role.
However, his imminent return is expected to reshape Kenya’s political narrative in the coming days as the battle lines for the 2027 presidential race begin to take form.
