NAIROBI, Kenya – Political communications strategist Pauline Njoroge has openly declared her support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, saying she is “unapologetically” backing a leadership shift away from the current administration.
In a detailed statement shared Monday, Njoroge responded to online backlash after a photo of her alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua circulated on social media, sparking speculation about her political allegiances.
Clarifying her position, Njoroge said she is now working with the opposition and views Matiang’i as the most capable leader to steer the country forward.
“I am now supporting Dr. Fred Matiang’i for the presidency in 2027. I deeply believe and know that he is capable of delivering far more effective and progressive leadership than what we currently have,” she stated.
She added that her support is grounded in personal conviction—not tribal affiliation—and that she will continue to collaborate with other opposition leaders, including Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Governor Natembeya, and Martha Karua, in a bid to bring transformative change to Kenya.
I have noticed that some people are seething with anger over my yesterday’s photo with Rigathi Gachagua. A few have even gone as far as branding me tribal or calling me a traitor.Let me set the record straight.I supported Baba Raila Odinga in 2022 because I genuinely believed
“I Will Follow My Heart—Unapologetically”
Taking aim at critics from across the political divide, Njoroge dismissed accusations of tribalism and betrayal, particularly from supporters of President William Ruto.
“If you are a Kalenjin who supports Ruto and wants to call me tribal for backing Matiang’i, suit yourself. And if you are a Luo supporting Ruto simply because Baba is engaging with him… suit yourself too. I am Pauline. I will always follow my heart and stand by what I believe is right, unapologetically,” she wrote on X.
Njoroge previously supported Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga during the 2022 general election and played a key communications role in his campaign.
She emphasized that her support for Raila, including during his current bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship, was sincere—but not “transferable.”
“My love and support for Baba in 2022 and for his AUC campaign were sincere, and it remains so,” she said.
Brief Stint in Kenya Kwanza
Njoroge also revealed that she had a short-lived role within the Kenya Kwanza administration, through what she described as “an office I deeply respect,” without naming it.
However, she said she walked away due to concerns about the administration’s governance record.
“I quit because of conscience. The governance failures I witnessed made it impossible for me to continue,” she said.
