Fred Matiang’i Announces 2027 Presidential Bid, Vows Accountability & Reforms

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has formally declared his intention to vie for the Kenyan presidency in 2027, pledging to usher in a new era of reform, transformation, and unwavering accountability. Speaking to Kenyans residing in the United States on Monday, Matiang’i sharply criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to adequately address the nation’s most pressing issues.

In his most direct signal yet regarding his 2027 ambitions, Matiang’i emphasized that Kenya’s progress hinges on the active involvement of its diaspora. He assured his audience of his readiness to be held fully accountable if entrusted with the nation’s leadership.

“Let’s not point fingers, let’s focus on moving forward. The stars are ahead of us, and we must pursue them,” Matiang’i stated. “I will not make excuses or blame anyone—I will take responsibility, and I am ready to be held accountable.”

He underscored the gravity of national leadership, describing running a country as “serious business.” Matiang’i acknowledged Kenya’s current economic and political challenges but framed them as temporary obstacles that can be overcome through collective action and visionary governance.

“No one will tell you the real pressure of leadership until you sit in that office and realize millions are listening to your decisions,” he remarked. “We will get together; we will put ourselves together and ensure that as we move forward to solve this issue, we are a state country, we have sufficient resources to move our country to the next level. Some of these challenges we face are momentary. This is not child’s play. Running a country is a very serious business, as you have seen.”

Focus on Education Reforms and Diaspora Engagement

The former CS placed particular emphasis on the critical need for education reforms, lamenting the alleged reduction of funds to schools and warning of growing policy instability within the sector.

“We had started reworking the curriculum to ensure it met market needs. We used to transfer Ksh.1,400 per primary school pupil and Ksh.22,000 per secondary school student. Now, I hear the amounts have been reduced, and in some cases, the money isn’t reaching schools,” he noted, expressing concern for educators. “I sometimes speak to school teachers and principals, and they are stressed about this. Because policy certainty is necessary in the education sector. We will get together, put ourselves together, and ensure that as we move forward, we resolve these issues.”

Matiang’i called for an inclusive national agenda, highlighting the indispensable role of diaspora communities in shaping Kenya’s future. He paid a solemn tribute to the youth who tragically lost their lives during last year’s anti-government protests, observing a moment of silence in their honor.

“We cannot build a future for Kenya without the diaspora. Your voice matters. Your presence counts,” he told the audience. “For us in Kenya, it’s now becoming what we consider the Gen Z month. Let us also observe two minutes of silence in honour of the lives of our young people we lost during the Gen Z uprising last year.”