MOSOKU: Matiang’i faces tough journey in presidential quest

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i./FILE

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i faces a herculean task to realise his presidential ambitions as the race to 2027 intensifies.

Matiang’i, who is not a politician, must contend with rigorous campaigning, strategy meetings, developing communication strategies, resources mobilisation and, above all, building alliances to build support across the country.

Although the former ‘Super CS’ has publicly declared his presidential bid, analysts say he has a long way to go in the gruelling race to dethrone masterful politician President William Ruto.

At home, it’s left to observers to see if he will match his former godfather, Simeon Nyachae (deceased), who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2002, while managing victory in the 10 parliamentary seats in Nyamira and Kisii at the time.

Matiang’i, who was among Nyachae’s campaign managers then, learnt a lesson or two and will apply them in getting the home ground behind him.

Some allies, however, appear frustrated with his reluctance to launch nationwide campaigns, launch a party, establish a secretariat and unveil a campaign team, citing the long period he hibernates immediately after holding an event.

“We don’t know whether it's cowardice or being strategic. Sometimes we are frustrated as his key lieutenants, especially due to the lack of proper coordination of his activities,” an MP close to him confided. “We hold one event and retreat for weeks; this may backfire.”

Initial signs are that the Borabu-born tough-talking former don is attracting good support in his home turf with several sitting MPs around his team.

In Nyamira county, the former Interior CS enjoys the support of the majority of elected leaders, headed by his local MP Patrick Osero, plus Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba) and Senator Okong’o Omogeni.

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo is among his strongest pillars, with West Mugirango’s Steve Mogaka and Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi being the only two not associated with him.

In Kisii, Senator Richard Onyonka leads his troops that include MPs Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Innocent Obiri (Bobasi), Charles Onchonke (Bonchari) and Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba).

Governor Simba Aarati has been sending mixed signals on where he stands, between the broad-based side and Matiang’i. He was among those who welcomed the former minister when he arrived from the US at Gusii Stadium, but has since pulled back.

UDA’s Alpha Miruka (Bomachoge-Chache), Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Masaba), Sylivanus Osoro (South Mugirango) and Japhet Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), alongside Woman Representative Doris Donya Aburi, don’t support his quest.

“Yes, he does have the capacity because I believe he is prepared for the presidency. What Kenya needs is a manager not a typical politician and Fred is that manager,” Onyonka said.

“Matiang’i will definitely sweep the entire Kisii and Nyamira county votes, but does he have the capacity to traverse the entire country and get broad support.What is the possibility that he himself has the capacity to become president?

 “Kenyans want someone who is rational and calm since the public is suffering political fatigue. I believe he has that capacity; he only needs to fine-tune his approach.”

The former minister has an opportunity to announce his kingpin status in the November by-elections in which Nyamira will have three ward polls in Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo.

Although he is yet to identify a political party, insiders say a meeting held on Tuesday in Karen resolved to allow Nyaribo’s UPA party to field candidates in the three wards.

“Fred is yet to decide on a party he will use for 2027, but as for the by-elections, we agreed to let UPA field the candidates. This does not mean he has endorsed the party as his vehicle,” an MP who was in the meeting confided.

In February this year, Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party endorsed Matiang’i as its candidate, although the former CS is yet to formally identify with the party.

There are reports that Jubilee will soon hold its National Delegates Convention to adopt the position on a candidate and pave the way for his allies to take over key positions in the party.

This will pave way for Matiang’i to take over as party leader from Uhuru if the plan materialises.

At the national level, the former Interior CS identifies with opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa and Martha Karua. He has to contend with the possibility of an alliance within the team to field a joint candidate.

Some observers say he can negotiate with the leaders to be either the flagbearer or running mate in a formula that will deliver presidency.

His close strategist, who asked not to be identifie,d said Matiang’i is determined to be in the race but is willing to and ready to sit down with opposition allies to craft a winning formula.

“He is not fixated that it must be him. If sacrificing his ambition is required to deliver Kenya, so be it,” the strategist said. “He is not going to be given this thing on a silver platter but he will work to earn the trust of his colleagues. It’s not about being in a boardroom and just being picked.”

Most important, according to the close ally, is galvanising the Kisii vote at home and in the diaspora and this is confirmed by what he called “panic in government”.

“Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki has been to Kisii nine times since May, when Dr Matiang’i returned, in the guise of empowerment, which is clearly a sign of panic,” he said.

Indeed, he (Matiang’i) has established his candidature pursuant to the mandate he got from the community. His strategy is to portray his message as the ‘solutions guy’ by addressing key issues and proposing concrete, viable solutions, of course, citing his past solutions record. He has the confidence he can convince both his partners and the Kenyan voters that he is best suited for the job.