I am ready for President in 2027, Matiang'i tells Kenyans

He said he will be resigning from the World Bank assignment to focus on his bid

by JAMES MBAKA

News02 May 2025 - 18:50

In Summary

Matiang’i swept through Kisii and Nyamira counties in a series of rallies marking his “homecoming ceremony,” highlighting shifting political dynamics that could pose a challenge to both Ruto and Raila.
The massive crowd that turned out to welcome Matiang’i forced organisers to move his planned address from Kisii Capital Roundabout to Gusii Stadium.

*Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i arrives in Kisii on May 2, 2025. PHOTO/HANDOUT*

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has declared that he is ready to run for the presidency, saying Kenya needs urgent fixing.

Addressing a rally at Gusii Stadium on May 2, 2025, Matiang’i announced that he had finally decided to pursue the country’s top seat following numerous requests from Kenyans.

“I am ready to be President of Kenya,” Matiang’i declared as the crowd erupted in cheers.

He announced that he would now resign from his World Bank assignment and officially begin his 2027 presidential bid.

“You have asked me to come and serve this country. Do you want me to leave that job and come back to serve you? I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country,” he said.

There are indications that Matiang'i will be leaving the country within three weeks to conclude his World Bank assignment before he returns to embark on 2027 campaigns.

The former CS acknowledged Kenya’s many challenges, saying that, as he had shown before, he could deliver a better Kenya if elected President.

“As you know, I have no problem executing any job, whether at night or during the day — that won’t be a problem,” he said, urging the Gusii community to register as voters ahead of 2027.

“Kenya has challenges, but I want to ask you not to lose hope in our country. We are a nation built on resilience. Let’s join hands, and when the time comes, we will fix and make our country better.”

Matiang'i's declaration ended speculations about his 2027 political plans.

Matiang’i swept through Kisii and Nyamira counties in a series of rallies marking his “homecoming ceremony,” highlighting shifting political dynamics that could pose a challenge to both Ruto and Raila.

The crowd that turned out to welcome Matiang’i forced organisers to move his planned address from Kisii Capital Roundabout to Gusii Stadium.

Supporters packed Capital-Hospital Road and surrounding streets, bringing business in the busy town to a standstill as Matiang’i’s convoy arrived.