Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is reportedly laying the groundwork to back former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i in the 2027 presidential race.
This revelation, reported by Taifa Leo, suggests that Kenyatta is determined to thwart President William Ruto’s plans for a second term.
Sources close to the former president claim he is actively rallying support for Matiang’i, seeing him as a credible challenger to the current administration.
Dr. Matiang’i’s potential presidential bid gained traction last year when Generation Z youth critical of Ruto’s government openly expressed support for the former minister.
According to Taifa Leo, Kenyatta has since publicly encouraged these youth to advocate for their rights and demand good governance.
During a recent public engagement, he urged them not to shy away from expressing their political views, signaling his alignment with Matiang’i’s growing movement.
Matiang’i has intensified his political activities, reportedly holding consultations with various leaders and strategists across the country.
His primary focus has been consolidating support from his Gusii community before expanding his campaign nationwide.
Last Tuesday, he hosted a meeting with Gusii leaders at the Fairmont Hotel in Karen, Nairobi.
Attendees included Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and nine MPs from Kisii and Nyamira counties.
The agenda was clear: charting a path toward the presidency.
The meeting underscored Matiang’i’s strategy of building a strong regional base before courting other parts of Kenya.
An MP who attended the Karen meeting revealed that Kenyatta has assured Matiang’i of his unwavering support.
The former president reportedly advised Matiang’i to secure solid backing from his community before seeking alliances elsewhere.
Additionally, Kenyatta is allegedly working to persuade ODM leader Raila Odinga to throw his weight behind Matiang’i, signaling a broader strategy to unify opposition forces against Ruto.
The MP, who requested anonymity, described Kenyatta as the mastermind behind these efforts, aiming to consolidate opposition leaders under Matiang’i’s banner.
While Kenyatta initially leaned toward supporting Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, he is reportedly frustrated by Kalonzo’s growing closeness to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This shift has prompted Kenyatta to throw his full weight behind Matiang’i, believing he has the charisma and support to mount a serious challenge to Ruto.
Political analysts believe Kenyatta’s involvement could reshape Kenya’s political landscape, especially with Matiang’i’s increasing appeal among young voters.
As Matiang’i continues his consultations and prepares to expand his influence, it remains to be seen how other opposition leaders will respond to Kenyatta’s overtures.
However, his alliance with the former president could mark the beginning of a formidable political movement ahead of 2027.
