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April 18, 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya
After months of silence on the local political stage, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i made a quiet but symbolically powerful return to Kenya on the night of Thursday, April 17, 2025. His arrival, which took place at approximately 11:40 PM at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), has already ignited political chatter across the country — and for good reason.
Having been out of the country since shortly after the 2022 general election, Matiang’i’s return marks a pivotal moment for the political landscape as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections. The former CS, once known for his tough stance on law enforcement and internal security, was noticeably absent from political debates and public events, prompting speculation about his next move — or whether he had bowed out of the political arena altogether.
But now, his quiet touchdown in Nairobi aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Washington, D.C., has confirmed what insiders had been whispering for months: Matiang’i is back, and he’s likely preparing for something big.
Welcomed by Political Allies
Matiang’i was received at JKIA by a delegation of loyal political allies, including Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, and nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba. While there was no official press conference or formal statement at the airport, his presence spoke volumes.
The former CS reportedly declined to make any public comments upon arrival but expressed his gratitude for a safe journey. According to sources close to him, he intends to issue a formal address to the nation in the coming days.
“It’s not just a return — it’s a statement,” said a senior Jubilee official. “Dr. Matiang’i is preparing for a new chapter, and we believe Kenyans are ready for his leadership.”
Jubilee Party’s Quiet Endorsement
Even before his return, murmurs from within the Jubilee Party hinted at Matiang’i being their man for 2027. Those whispers became more defined during a recent party delegates’ meeting in Keumbu, Kisii County, where Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni revealed that Matiang’i had been cleared to fly the party’s presidential flag.
This endorsement is no small matter. Jubilee, once a ruling party now repositioning itself in a complex political environment, is seeking a credible and formidable candidate to reclaim its relevance. Matiang’i’s return — with his background in governance, education reform, and internal security — provides a candidate with both technocratic credentials and grassroots appeal.
A Nation Divided: Cheers and Questions
While some sections of the public and political class have welcomed Matiang’i’s return, others have raised tough questions about his past. UDA-aligned politicians, notably Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, have been quick to demand accountability.
“Before we start talking about campaigns and politics, Matiang’i must answer for what happened under his watch — the enforced disappearances, the extrajudicial killings. We cannot forget,” said Cherargei in a statement on Friday.
These criticisms reflect ongoing national conversations about justice and accountability for state actions during Matiang’i’s tenure. As Interior CS, he was lauded for his firmness and discipline, but his critics often accused him of authoritarian tendencies.
What’s Next for Matiang’i?
Political analysts agree: Matiang’i’s return changes the game. Whether he officially announces his candidacy or not, his presence alone forces a recalibration of political strategies, especially within opposition circles.
“He’s the kind of candidate who could unify moderate voters,” said political commentator Rose Mbogo. “He brings administrative experience, a technocratic image, and now, a sense of anticipation. The question is — will he run? And if so, with whom?”
There’s also curiosity around his relationship with other opposition leaders such as Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka. Could Matiang’i align with Azimio? Or will he seek to forge his own path under Jubilee’s flag?
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Matiang’i. His expected address to the nation will likely provide clarity — or perhaps more intrigue — as Kenya gears up for what’s shaping to be one of the most unpredictable election cycles in recent history.
A Strategic Re-entry
Matiang’i’s decision to return quietly but deliberately suggests a carefully calculated re-entry into Kenyan politics. While he may have flown in without fanfare, the timing — ahead of Easter weekend and just as national attention turns toward political realignments — ensures maximum impact.
For now, Kenya waits. But one thing is clear: Fred Matiang’i is not done yet.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Matiang’i prepares to break his silence.