Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is officially back on Kenyan soil and wasting no time signaling his political intentions — including a potential presidential bid in 2027.
But as the seasoned technocrat re-enters the political fray, a key question looms: What does ODM leader Raila Odinga think?
Speaking during a consultative tour in Kisii County on Thursday, March 6, Raila Odinga offered a sobering assessment of Matiang’i’s rumored ambitions to succeed President William Ruto.
The opposition chief made it clear that support from one’s ethnic or regional base alone won’t cut it in Kenya’s high-stakes presidential race.
“Matiang’i will have a mountain to climb,” Raila said pointedly.
“There’s nothing like a community producing a candidate. Someone running for the presidency of Kenya cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes.”
Raila’s comments come amid growing speculation that Matiang’i, who maintained a low profile after the 2022 elections, is preparing to throw his hat in the ring.
His return has been met with mixed reactions — excitement in some quarters, skepticism in others.
The former African Union Commission envoy emphasized that successful presidential candidates must unite the country, not rely on tribal or regional affiliations.
“If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenyans generally,” Raila added. “You need to build a coalition that transcends tribal lines.”
While Raila didn’t completely shut the door on Matiang’i’s bid, his remarks are a clear message: a presidential campaign anchored in ethnic loyalty is a non-starter in today’s political landscape.
With Matiang’i now back in the public eye and Raila laying down the political reality check, the stage is slowly being set for a dramatic lead-up to 2027.
Whether Matiang’i can build the national appeal Raila deems necessary remains to be seen — but the conversation has officially begun.
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