Matiang’i departed Kenya over the weekend after a month-long recess that saw him shake up the country’s political landscape with the announcement of his 2027 presidential bid.
Matiang’i, who recently joined Rigathi Gachagua’s opposition camp, has become a central figure in political discourse following his declaration to run for the presidency.
He is expected to be in Washington for “a few months” before returning later this year to officially resume his presidential campaign.
During his
homecoming in Gusii on May 2, 2025, Matiang’i assured supporters that he would
return to the US to respectfully hand over his responsibilities before coming
back to the country.
“You have asked me to come and serve this country. Do you want me to leave that job and come back to serve you? I will now resign officially, with respect, and come back to Kenya to serve my country,” he said.
Addressing a rally at Gusii Stadium on May 2, 2025, Matiang’i announced that he had finally decided to pursue the presidency after receiving numerous requests from Kenyans.
“I am ready to be President of Kenya,” Matiang’i declared, prompting cheers from the crowd.
On May 12, 2025, Gachagua also hinted that Matiang’i would be travelling to Washington to formally resign from his position at the World Bank.
The former Deputy President, speaking during a radio interview with the Gusii community, urged supporters to allow Matiang’i time to complete the transition.
"I know we will, but I want to wish my brother Matiang’i the very best. I want to ask the people of Kisii to give Matiang’i an opportunity to go back to Washington to hand over. It would be bad manners for him to just leave the job without resigning," Gachagua said.
News of Matiang’i leaving the country has sparked widespread speculation, with some of his political rivals suggesting he had developed cold feet and decided to return to his job.
The former
ruling Jubilee Party has offered Matiang’i its presidential ticket and pledged
to launch an aggressive campaign to promote him ahead of the 2027 polls.
Upon his return, one of Matiang’i’s key political tasks will be to declare his political vehicle, as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has already claimed him as its party leader.
