By Simba Munyua
NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has firmly declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, expressing unwavering confidence that incumbent President William Ruto will not secure a second term.
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Monday, July 14, Matiang’i positioned himself as the leading candidate to challenge the current administration, urging the broader opposition to rally behind his candidacy.
“If the opposition is serious about removing this presidency, I am the best bet,” Matiang’i asserted, highlighting his extensive track record in various ministerial roles under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. “My record in the ministries that I have been assigned speaks for itself. I require no introduction to the world. I can place a direct call to the World Bank president and get things done. If they are serious about service delivery, they should consider me seriously.”
The former powerful CS drew a striking parallel between the upcoming 2027 polls and Kenya’s historic 2002 election, where Mwai Kibaki famously triumphed over Uhuru Kenyatta, despite the latter enjoying the full backing of then-President Daniel Moi. Matiang’i expressed conviction that a similar outcome awaits President Ruto.
“The next election will be a 2002 moment. There is no path for a return of the Ruto presidency. We can’t see any way he can win,” he stated. “We are looking at a peaceful transfer of power. Majority of the people in the country are clamoring for change of leadership. We can’t see Kenyans re-electing this bad leadership. They can’t stand another Ruto term. There is a demand for new leadership and a new government.”
Matiang’i attributed his confidence in Ruto’s defeat to what he termed the “strength of the emerging Opposition constellation” and the ongoing “Gen-Z revolt” against the current government. He pointed to perceived failures of the Ruto administration, particularly in the education sector, as evidence of its incompetence and a primary source of public dissatisfaction.
“That is what Gen-Z are saying. They don’t want an incompetent government. They want a fair, coherent, and capable government that can help them get education funding,” he added, emphasizing that the public is “yearning for change” and eager to vote out the Kenya Kwanza administration.
