Matiang’i 2027 Presidential Bid Triggers Heated Social Media Debate
Key takeaways
-
- Former minister Fred Okengo Matiang’i has made headlines in Kenya following reports that he is preparing for the 2027 presidential election.
- Mr. Matiang’i has reportedly hired a Canadian consultancy firm Dickens & Madson to boost his chances of winning the presidency.
- Dickens & Madson is credited for the recent successful campaign of Botswana’s Duma Boko who was elected president in the southern African country.
- Matiang’i relocated to New York in the United States shortly after President William Ruto’s election win in 2022.
- Alongside former president Uhuru Kenyatta and other top government figures, Matiang’i supported the candidature of Raila Odinga, who lost the election.
- Reports of a possible Matiang’i presidential candidature have elicited mixed reactions online, with users clashing on the pros and cons of his leadership.
Also read: Occupy Parliament: Activist Morara Calls for Gen Z Unity Ahead of Protests
Matiang’i’s bold claim for Kenya’s top seat
Former Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang’i has emerged as one of the frontrunners for Kenya’s Office of the President.
The New York-based Kenyan leader has made a KES 8 million down payment toward a KES 32 million retainer fee for Dickens & Madson.
Dickens & Madson is expected to play a vital role in marketing Matiang’i to foreign governments and get their support in the often hotly contested presidential elections.
However, Matiang’i has remained silent about his political ambitions as Kenyans speculate on potential candidates for the 2027 presidential race.
Matiang’i’s announcement comes at a time when there is growing public resentment toward the government in Kenya.
President Ruto’s administration is under increasing pressure from the church, civil society, and ordinary Kenyans to fix corruption and poor service delivery.
The massive failure of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), over-taxation, and rampant corruption have pushed the public to demand change.
In recent months, Kenyans have taken to the streets, culminating in the occupation of Parliament in June to protest proposed tax increases.
A glimpse into Matiang’i’s record as minister
A raging debate has taken over social media as Kenyans consider the Matiang’i option for the country’s top seat.
Resentment toward President William Samoei Ruto has worn out Kenyan netizens, many of whom are considering voting for just anyone running against him.
While some users highlight Matiang’i’s successes, others cite his bad record during his time as an interior (security) minister.
Matiang’i was a dependable government official who served in different cabinet dockets including education, Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), as well as the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
As an ICT minister, Matiang’i is credited for the successful transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting in Kenya.
The former education minister is also celebrated for weeding out national exam cheating which threatened the country’s education standards. The menace is gradually making a comeback since Matiang’i left office.
Matiang’i’s poor record mainly comes from his time as security minister which was marred with extra-judicial killings and police brutality.
The dramatic abduction and illegal deportation of lawyer and political activist Miguna Miguna also painted Mr. Matiang’i as someone who cannot obey court orders.
Also read: Millicent Omanga’s Luxurious Car Collection Sparks Outrage on Social Media
Kenyans react to Matiang’i’s bid for the presidency
Below are some of the reactions from X users regarding Matiangi’s incoming presidential candidature:
@Colettaaluda_1 says: “Matiangi is Coming back and some corrupt fellows have No Peace..”
“Fred Matiangi was not perfect. He had his weaknesses like any other human being, but he brought a lot of changes in all the ministry he served in Education, Interior et al. If given a chance, he can do better,” adds @IkeOjuku
“Matiangi’s boss and financier Uhuru Kenyatta inherited a debt of 1.89 trillion from Kibaki. In ten years he borrowed upto 8.9 trillion. 80% of that money was stolen,” says Morara Kebaso in opposition to Matiang’i’s candidature.
Do you have any news or article you would like us to publish? Kindly reach us via outreach@t4d.co.ke or howtodoafrica@gmail.com.
