Former Interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i returned to Kenya on Thursday evening amid speculation that he may run for president in the 2027 general elections.
Dr Matiang'i arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 11.40pm aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Washington DC.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni (in red) and other leaders and supporters welcome former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i (centre) on April 18, 2025 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Photo credit: Pool
The former CS, who served under the administration of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, was received by a handful of close allies and family members, including Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
Although the former CS did not speak to the media at the airport, his return from an extended stay in the United States has sparked fresh political talk.
For more than a year, Dr Matiang'i has kept a relatively low profile abroad, avoiding the limelight and making few public statements.
His sudden reappearance, just over two years before the next General Election, has fuelled talk of his political future.
Dr Matiang'i, who rose through the ranks of Kenyatta's administration, has been praised for his tough stance on public service delivery and security.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni on April 18, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
He could emerge as a key challenger in a race expected to attract heavyweights such as President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga (if he decides to run) and other rising political figures.
Kenyatta's Jubilee Party has already thrown its weight behind Dr Matiang'i, with Mr Kioni confirming the party's intentions to support Matiang'i's 2027 presidential bid.
"It's all systems go," Jubilee posted on its official social media platforms.
During a recent delegates' meeting in Keumbu, Kisii County on April 6, Kioni reiterated that the former CS for had been cleared to fly the party's flag.
“When we say Matiang’i, we mean leadership that understands service. He chaired key government committees and ensured delivery of crucial national programmes. He is not a stranger to responsibility,” he said.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni (in red) and other leaders and supporters welcome former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i (centre) on April 18, 2025 at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Photo credit: Pool
Mr Kioni contrasted Matiang’i’s track record with that of current leaders, accusing some of prioritising politics over governance.
“Even before 2017, Ruto had already started politicking. He barely had time for the office. But Matiang’i understands governance. He’s focused, firm, and proven.”
Mr Kioni added, “I have heard people coming here preaching unity, but they are the ones spreading disunity because they’ve been sent here to divide the community. They may claim Matiang’i is facing charges, but whatever number they give him, that’s their problem. Even if they put him in jail, we will still choose him.”
