Dr. Fred Matiang’i has cleared the claims that he’s a political project of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he is still consulting widely and has not committed to any party ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an interview broadcasted Tuesday night on Citizen TV, Matiang’i said he’s taking time to speak with leaders across the political divide before making any decisions on his presidential ambitions.
“I’m in conversations with a number of political parties and individuals. Picking one side now would lock out others who are still reaching out,” he said.
Matiang’i dismissed the notion that his time in Uhuru’s Cabinet automatically makes him a puppet of the former president. “Uhuru appointed nearly 30 Cabinet secretaries. Some are still serving. Am I a project just because I served?” he posed.
He stated that he has never asked former president, Uhuru for an endorsement and that their occasional conversations focus on national issues, not personal ambitions.
The former CS revealed that several political parties have approached him about a possible run. “At least seven or eight parties have come forward. Some want to work together, some want me to lead,” he said.
On building coalitions, Matiang’i said no single party can win the presidency on its own under the current political landscape. “We are better off when we pull together,” he noted.
His comments come months after the Jubilee Party endorsed him as its preferred presidential hopeful. Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the party saw him as a potential flagbearer, but one who would still need to join hands with others under a broader coalition.
