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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has downplayed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambition in the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Thursday, March 6, after holding a consultative meeting in Kisii County, Raila said Matiang’i cannot be elected solely based on support from his ethnic community.
The former premier noted that Matiang’i would need the support of the whole country for him to be elected as Head of State.
“There is nothing like a community producing a candidate. You cannot be elected the President of Kenya on the basis of Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes. If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenyans generally,” Raila stated.
The ODM leader also pointed out that Matiang’i is yet to publicly declare his presidential bid, adding that they will address that matter when the time is right.
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“That is something we will deal with when the right time comes. Mr Matiang’i has not yet come out to speak and clarify that he wants to run for the presidency,” Raila added.
On January 25, the Jubilee Party endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni urged the leaders to start mass grassroots registration of Jubilee party members to ensure Matiang'i clinches the top seat.
"Fred Matiang’i is the one they are saying is in Jubilee. He worked with the party for 10 years. So, we as the Jubilee party have our own candidate, Fred Matiang'i. He will face off with other candidates to ensure President William Ruto goes home. You have to start registrations and send the message to the people, and we don’t want fights,” Kioni remarked.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonk, while attending the launch of Martha Karua’s People's Liberation Party (PLP), announced that Matiang’i is expected to resign from his position at the World Bank and return to Kenya.
