Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i is scheduled to make his first public appearance of 2025 during a tour of the Gusii region on Friday, May 2. His visit marks a significant return to the political scene and is widely seen as a move to re-establish connections at the grassroots level.
A statement from his secretariat confirmed that Matiang’i will begin his regional tour in Nyansiongo, with additional stops planned in Kijauri, Keroka, Keumbu, Kisii Town, and Nyamira. He will be joined by several elected leaders from the region, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, Senators Richard Onyonka and Okong’o Omogeni, as well as Members of Parliament and local assembly representatives.
As part of his itinerary, Matiang’i is expected to make courtesy visits to the offices of the Kisii and Nyamira county governors.
Governor Nyaribo, speaking on behalf of the secretariat, emphasized that the tour reflects Matiang’i’s commitment to engaging directly with citizens.
“We urge people to come out and greet him. He’s a man of peace. While he hasn’t made an official declaration, he wants to hear from the people—both at home and across the country—before making any major decisions,” Nyaribo noted.
Matiang’i returned to Kenya from the United States on April 17, 2025, sparking heightened political speculation. His homecoming comes on the heels of the Jubilee Party’s announcement that it will support him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The party lauded his leadership experience as essential for tackling national challenges.
“Fred Matiang’i is our candidate,” Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni declared. “He will challenge President Ruto in 2027.”
Despite growing political momentum and endorsement, Matiang’i has yet to publicly confirm his presidential ambitions.
