A heated debate has emerged over the political viability of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a potential presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, particularly among Kenya’s youth.
National Students Council of Kenya coordinator, Mark Ouko sparked controversy by suggesting that Matiang’i once held strong appeal among young voters. He claimed that initial enthusiasm for Matiang’i’s potential candidacy was largely driven by the Gen Z movement but has since waned due to his political strategy.
“If you look at one of the prospective candidates that the youth are supporting in Matiang’i, he made one mistake, he retreated to solidify his tribal base,” Ouko remarked. “The euphoria around his candidacy isn’t what it was a year ago.”
However, Ouko’s comments were swiftly challenged by fellow panellists. Social justice advocate, Wanjira Wanjiru, dismissed the notion that Matiang’i ever held youth support, saying, “We’ve never been aligned with Matiang’i, not now or a year ago. Change will not come from people who have already been in power.”
Mohamed Abdullahi, a law student, also criticized Matiang’i, linking him to the controversial legacy of the Jubilee administration. “Matiang’i was the strong arm of a regime that plunged the country into debt. To call him a saviour is baffling,” he said.
The debate follows Matiang’i’s May 2, 2025, visit to his Gusii backyard, where he pledged to restore public trust in government if elected president. “A government should not be playing with its people like is happening currently,” he stated during the tour.
Despite his vow to clean up governance, skepticism remains high among young Kenyans, many of whom appear unconvinced of his reformist credentials.
Written By Rodney Mbua.
