A fortnight after jetting back into the country, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i will make his first public appearance on Friday, May 2.
In an official statement, Matiang’i, the former CS who is poised for the presidential elections in 2027, revealed that his first appearance will be in the Gusii region, where he will be accompanied by elected leaders from the area, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati.
“Dr Fred Matiang’i is pleased to inform the public that he will make his first public appearance this year in the Gusii region on Friday, May 2, 2025,” the statement read in part.
“Dr Matiang’i will be accompanied by all elected leaders from the Gusii region, including Governors Simba Arati and Amos Nyaribo, Senators Momoima Onyonka and Okong’o Omogeni, as well as Members of Parliament and Members of County Assemblies,” the statement continued.
During the public appearance, Matiang'i is expected to meet the people on an official tour and the respective Governors of Kisii and Nyamira Counties, among other engagements.
His public appearance comes at a time when speculation about his 2027 presidential bid continues to grow, with several political figures and parties expressing support for his candidacy.
Matiang'i, who jetted back to Kenya on the night of Thursday, April 17, was welcomed by several leaders, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, and others actively pushing for his candidature.
Although Matiang'i himself is yet to declare that he will be running for the presidency, the Jubilee Party, led by Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, has publicly endorsed him as their preferred candidate.
He has already begun holding strategic meetings with leaders opposing the Kenya Kwanza government. On Tuesday, he joined key opposition figures, including ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for a crucial meeting as they firm up their 2027 plans.
Other leaders who attended include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Mukhisa Kituyi, and former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi.
The high-stakes meeting in Nairobi is part of a series of high-profile engagements organised by the opposition as part of early efforts to build a national movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This will be Matiang'i's first public appearance after jetting back from the US, dispelling allegations that he prefers private engagements over public appearances.
