Why ex-Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is trending

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i is trending on X in Kenya.

This comes while he is away in the United States, mobilising the diaspora to back his plan.

Matiang’i is one of the individuals who have expressed interest in vying for the presidency in 2027.

His announcement came after about three years of living a quiet life, even as he worked for the World Bank post his tenure in the Uhuru Kenyatta-led regime.

The former CS's bid has been received with mixed reactions, where some believe he is the man to save Kenya, while others claim he is not the best for the job, over how he ran the interior ministry under Uhuru.

While he has teamed up with the ‘United Opposition’, Matiang’i has not declared the party he will use to run for office.

Already, the former ruling party, Jubilee, is claiming him as its candidate. There is also the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) that has been linked to him since the 2022 general elections.

On Thursday, a video went viral of ODM legislator Anthony Kibagendi asking the Gusii community to support the former CS’s bid.

Kibagendi said that with their support,   he can have a seat at the table to negotiate with whoever will win.

“Let’s support Matiang’i to the end so he can get even 900,000 votes to go sit at the table and negotiate with those people,” Kibagendi says in the undated video which sparked conversations on X.

As it continues going viral, here is what Kenyans on X said;

“Of course, he lacked situational awareness. No way. Matiang’i can’t even scratch the surface,” one Peter Kariuki said.

"Kenyans, do you think you're stupid? Do you believe it in your hearts and being that you're inferior people? That your children can only pass exams when they cheat. Saying Matiang'i 'fixed cheating' is so wild. He failed 1 million learners," Seise Bagbo said.

Fidel said, "Mambo ya Raila mimi sishughuliki nayo sisi tulikuwa tunataka mtu wa kutoa Ruto. The wantam plan is ongoing, ni vile Matiang'i will not be important in that equation."

"8.4.4 was broken by Matiang'i. And if you bothered to read the article, there's nothing like "good academically," Mwalimu Wandia said.

Malingu Fred said, "Strategic people know what they are doing. Kina Matiang'i si watu wa kuchapa siasa 24/7 kama wewe cheap blogger. There's time for everything sio ya Ruto na nyinyi every time ni siasa!"

According to Gitobu Kiogora, "Those supporting Dr Matiang'i know for him to get 1 million votes ni Ngumu sana. This is his Chief Strategist, Anthony Kibagendi, captured urging the Gusii Community to give him 900K votes so that he's worthy sitting on the negotiation table."

"Majority in Murima have already endorsed Matiang'i, it's a matter of time, aapishwe," Murima Maestro said.

"If the stock has fallen, why are you concerned about it??? Campaign hata hazijaanza mshaanza kuuza uoga. Matiang'i will be the man to beat in 2027 ata ruto anajua hivyo," Eric Nyakundi said.