NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is officially stepping away from his World Bank role — and possibly stepping right into Kenya’s 2027 presidential race.
In a revealing interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Matiang’i confirmed that he has informed the World Bank of his intention to exit when his contract expires.
While he didn’t reveal an exact departure date, his message was clear: politics is calling, and he’s ready to answer.
“I have indicated to the World Bank that I’m leaving,” Matiang’i said. “When my contract comes up for review, I will not renew it. I’ve given them my letter of departure.”
The decision ends his nearly two-year stint with the global financial institution, a period marked by a conspicuously low public profile after leaving government in 2022.
But now, with elections on the horizon and political realignments underway, Matiang’i is re-emerging—and this time, with an eye on top-tier leadership.
While he stopped short of announcing a presidential bid, his tone and positioning suggested it’s more of a ‘when’ than an ‘if.’
He confirmed ongoing talks with several opposition parties, all pointing toward forming a coalition capable of challenging President William Ruto in the next election cycle.
“I think if I made a choice now and stuck to one political party, I would disadvantage others with whom I’m having discussions,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and inclusivity. “We have over 89 political parties in Kenya. That’s the reality of our democracy.”
According to Matiang’i, multiple parties—including Jubilee and UPA—have floated the idea of backing him, and the momentum seems to be building.
Still, the former CS is playing the long game. Instead of jumping into a single party vehicle, he’s opting to build something broader—likely a grand coalition modeled after past successful alignments.
