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Matiang’i courts Diaspora support for his presidential bid
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i speaks to residents of Luanda, Vihiga County, on July 3, 2025, during a tour of the western region by opposition leaders.
What you need to know:
- Dr Matiang’i acknowledged the growing influence of Kenyans abroad in national affairs.
- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also on a two-month tour of the United States.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has asked Kenyans in the diaspora to vote for him in the 2027 General Election and hold him accountable if elected.
Speaking to Kenyans living in Baltimore City, Maryland, in the United States, Dr Matiang’I who has announced his bid to unseat President William Ruto said he will ensure that all government officials are held accountable for their actions if he becomes President.
“I want you to join me in making Kenya great again. We cannot build the future of Kenya without the diaspora,” stated Dr Matiang’i.
He urged all government officials to embrace accountability while in office.
“I request you to register as voters and vote for me in the 2027 General Election and then hold me accountable for all my actions,” he added.
Dr Matiang’i, who resigned from the World Bank last month to prepare for the 2027 presidential race, reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership and acknowledged the growing influence of Kenyans abroad in national affairs.
“I want to be very frank with you. I am here because I intend to vie for the presidency. I believe I can offer better management and coordination of government than what we’re currently seeing. With ten years of experience as a Cabinet Secretary four of those spent coordinating government functions—I understand government like the back of my hand,” Dr Matiang’i said.
Dr Matiang’i called on Kenyans in the diaspora to pray for a peaceful transfer of power and emphasised the importance of lawful governance.
“Let us pray for a peaceful transition. When that happens, I promise you that I will not depart from the path of accountability under the law.”
At the same time, he acknowledged that Kenya faces serious challenges and vulnerabilities—issues that should not be politicized and pledged not to betray the Constitution.
Voter registration in diaspora
Dr Matiang’i’s move to engage the diaspora is seen by insiders and political analysts as part of a broader international outreach strategy aimed at building support among Kenyans abroad potentially including campaign financing.
His efforts come at a time when presidential hopefuls are increasingly recognizing the economic and political influence of the diaspora. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also currently on a two-month tour of the United States.
With the Dr Erastus Ethekon-led Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expected to expand voter registration in diaspora hubs such as the US, the 2027 election is shaping up to be as global as it is local.
In April, IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan led a team from the commission in an online meeting with the Diaspora Technical Working Group (DTWG) to address key issues regarding diaspora voting for the 2027 General Election.
The group, a volunteer-driven initiative, plays a critical role in advocating for the electoral rights of Kenyans abroad.
It represents diverse communities across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East, bringing together professionals including legal experts, educators, technologists, business leaders, and community organizers.
The virtual meeting was attended by 34 members from countries such as China, the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Australia, Germany, Rwanda, the UAE, Switzerland and Norway.
Key topics included increasing diaspora voter participation which has been historically low due to a limited number of polling stations, restrictive registration criteria and high costs associated with voting.
Mr Marjan acknowledged the legal, logistical and financial hurdles. One of the main concerns is the current law that restricts polling stations to locations within Kenyan embassies and high commissions, which makes establishing temporary polling centers in other cities difficult.
However, he called for a collaborative approach between IEBC and the diaspora to improve the electoral process.
