Presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has ruled out contesting the 2027 General Election on a single political party ticket, instead opting for a broad, inclusive coalition as he eyes a showdown with incumbent President William Ruto.
Speaking during a Tuesday night interview on Citizen TV, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary remained non-committal about which party he will join, stating that he is in active consultations with leaders from across Kenya’s political spectrum.
“I think if I made a choice now and stuck to one political party, I will disadvantage others with whom I’m having discussions,” Matiang’i said.
He added that forming a viable political vehicle would require compromise and strategic collaboration with various stakeholders. According to him, a coalition-based approach is more representative of Kenya’s democratic evolution.
“The reality is that we chose democracy, and we have many political parties. In Kenya, we have over 89 political parties and that’s how Kenyans want to organise their politics for the time being,” he said.
Multiple Parties Eyeing Matiang’i
Matiang’i confirmed that several political parties have reached out to him, expressing interest in backing his presidential ambition. He mentioned the former ruling party Jubilee and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) as among those that have “claimed” him.
“In fact, this afternoon I’m meeting another political party that is asking whether we can work together, and I have been asked this by seven or eight political parties,” he said.
Rather than rushing to pick a party, he said his strategy is to allow space for wide-ranging conversations, which he believes are essential for building a formidable political alliance.
“It’s flattering that you have political leaders—so many political leaders—sitting down in their executive committees and saying maybe Fred Matiang’i should be our candidate even before I ask them. I don’t want to close the door on anyone; I want to have very comprehensive, inclusive, exhausting discussions with everyone,” Matiang’i said.
Technocrat to Contender
Matiang’i’s transition from technocrat to presidential contender has surprised many political observers. Known for his hard-nosed approach to public administration, Matiang’i earned a reputation for discipline, reform, and institutional control during his tenure in the Education and Interior ministries under President Uhuru Kenyatta.
His profile surged between 2017 and 2022 when he was widely viewed as the de facto prime minister in Kenyatta’s second term. However, he has never vied for an elective seat, a key difference from President Ruto, who rose through elected office from MP to Deputy President and eventually to the presidency.
Political analysts argue that Matiang’i’s lack of a political base or electoral history poses both a challenge and an opportunity. While he may be untested at the ballot, his clean record in public service and ability to forge cross-party partnerships could appeal to voters fatigued by Kenya’s traditional ethnic and personality-driven politics.
Still, Matiang’i must contend with criticism over his past enforcement tactics, especially during protests and high-stakes security operations that some rights groups described as overly forceful.
As a newcomer to elective politics, he must also bridge regional, generational, and ideological divides, particularly as youth-led movements and demands for accountable leadership continue to gain momentum across the country.
The Coalition Question
With just over two years to the 2027 election, Matiang’i appears to be building his political architecture from the ground up—prioritising coalition-building, policy consultations, and national engagement before unveiling a formal campaign structure.
He has so far avoided direct attacks on President Ruto but has positioned himself as a sober alternative, drawing from his decade-long experience in public service.
“We are better off when we work together, coalesce our forces, and pull our visions together. Splitting into many camps doesn’t help. That’s why I’m having these conversations—to build a strong coalition for the good of Kenya,” he noted.
Matiang’i has yet to declare a running mate or unveil a detailed policy manifesto, but insiders suggest his focus will likely centre on governance reforms, restoring institutional independence, and tackling economic despair.
His next steps—particularly the identity of the coalition he forms and how he addresses his controversial security legacy—will shape whether he emerges as a credible challenger to President Ruto or fades amid Kenya’s crowded political field.
