Fred Matiang’i Declares 2027 Presidential Bid During Gusii Stadium Rally: "I'm Ready"
- Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i officially declared his bid for the 2027 presidency during a packed rally at Gusii Stadium, ending months of speculation
- He told supporters he would resign from his World Bank role within three weeks to begin his campaign, citing a duty to serve the country
- Matiang’i said Kenya urgently needs honest, effective leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to tackle economic and governance issues
- He called on citizens to register as voters and announced plans to tour all regions of Kenya to build national support for his candidacy
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kisii - Former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i has declared his entry into the 2027 presidential race.
Source: Twitter
The dramatic and long-awaited announcement was made during a high-energy rally on Friday, May 2, ending months of speculation about his political future.
"I am ready to be President of Kenya," Matiang’i told a roaring crowd that had packed the Gusii stadium to capacity.
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The declaration marked the climax of a homecoming tour that began in Kijauri and wound through Nyamira, Keroka, Keumbu, and finally, Kisii Town.
Originally scheduled to address the public at the Kisii Capital Roundabout, Matiang’i’s rally had to be moved to the larger Gusii Stadium to accommodate the overwhelming number of supporters.
Residents filled Capital-Hospital Road and nearby avenues in anticipation, with business activity in Kisii Town grinding to a standstill as Matiang’i’s convoy arrived under tight security.
How will Matiang'i prepare for his candidacy?
Matiang’i announced that he would resign from his ongoing World Bank assignment within the next three weeks to formally begin his presidential campaign.
"You have asked me to come and serve this country. I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country," he told the eager crowd.
The former CS, known for his no-nonsense approach during his tenure in the Jubilee administration, stressed that Kenya is in urgent need of leadership that can fix its problems with integrity and efficiency.
Source: UGC
Citing his previous record in government, Matiang’i said he is confident in his ability to offer solutions to the country’s challenges.
"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," he told his cheering supporters.
He urged the Gusii community and all Kenyans to begin preparations for the 2027 General Election by registering as voters.
In his address, Matiang’i said his journey would not stop in Gusii, revealing plans to tour Rift Valley, Central, Eastern, Coast, and Western Kenya, as well as Nyanza, to rally national support.
"Aren't you going to allow me to visit the whole nation?" he asked the crowd, whose thunderous response left little doubt about their answer.
Anti-Ruto chants erupt in Nyamira
During a visit to Keroka in Nyamira county, Matiang’i was met with enthusiastic crowds chanting "Ruto must go," expressing their dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration.
Matiang’i's appearance is part of a broader tour of the Gusii region, aimed at reconnecting with constituents and addressing local concerns.
His return sparked discussions about a potential political comeback.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
