Fred Matiang’i Taps Canadian Lobbying Giant for 2027 Presidential Bid

NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has engaged a Canadian lobbying powerhouse, Dickens & Madson, to bolster his bid for Kenya’s presidency in 2027.

The agreement, signed on July 29, 2024, underscores Matiang’i’s intent to position himself as a formidable contender on the political stage.

According to documents obtained by Citizen Digital, Matiang’i has already made an initial payment of $65,000 (approximately Sh8.4 million) and committed to a retainer fee of $250,000 (Sh32.3 million).

The contract outlines a range of services, including media strategy, public relations, and lobbying efforts targeting U.S. government institutions to garner international support for his candidacy.

Based in Montreal, Dickens & Madson has a history of representing high-profile African leaders, including the late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe and Libyan militia commander Khalifa Haftar.

The firm was also behind Sudan’s $6 million (Ksh.774 million) public relations campaign following the military takeover in 2019, aimed at softening the regime’s global image.

For Matiang’i, the firm promises to craft and disseminate informational materials to enhance his public profile while leveraging its extensive networks to advance his political agenda.

The consultancy agreement is initially set for one year, with an option for renewal.

Since stepping back from active politics after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure ended in 2022, Matiang’i has kept a low profile.

While speculation about his presidential ambitions has been rife, he has largely refrained from public declarations.

This latest move signals a shift in strategy as Matiang’i seeks to reenter Kenya’s political arena with international backing.

Whether this lobbying effort will translate into local support remains to be seen, especially in a political landscape shaped by powerful regional blocs and shifting alliances.

The 2027 presidential race is already drawing early maneuvering, with potential candidates seeking to consolidate their bases and build strategic partnerships.

Matiang’i’s foray into international lobbying could set the tone for a campaign that blends domestic outreach with global influence.