Fred Matiang’i Makes First Public Appearance Amid 2027 Presidential Bid Buzz(PHOTOS)
Fred Matiang’i, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, was seen engaging with locals in Kitui County on Friday, December 20.
This was his first public appearance amid speculations that he could be vying for the presidency in the 2027 General Elections.
Reports from November 2024 suggested that Matiang’i hired the Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson to strengthen his campaign strategy.
Sources revealed that he made an initial payment of Ksh8.4 million and agreed to an annual retainer of Ksh32.3 million for the firm’s services.
Recently, the United Progressive Alliance Party (UPA) officially endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for 2027.
During a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Nyamira on Wednesday, December 18, UPA members unanimously selected Matiang’i to lead the party in the presidential race.
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“Dr. Matiang’i’s widespread popularity is evident, and the party’s decision to support his candidacy has received national approval,” stated UPA Secretary General Jacob Bagaka.
Matiang’i’s political journey began in April 2013 when he was named Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) under President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In November 2015, he transitioned to the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science, and Technology.
During his tenure, Matiang’i introduced significant reforms to combat exam cheating, including restructuring the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and tightening exam security.
In 2017, following the demise of Joseph Ole Nkaissery, Matiang’i was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government.
After exiting government in October 2022, Matiang’i remained under the radar until his recent public engagement in Kitui.
Fred Matiang’i Makes First Public Appearance Amid 2027 Presidential Bid Buzz(PHOTOS)
