Matiang’i: Opposition won’t settle scores if victorious in 2027
By Ascah Mwango, August 31, 2025Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i says the opposition has no intention of settling political scores if it wins power in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a church in Nakuru County on Sunday, August 31, 2025, Matiang’i said the priority would be to repair institutions and revive the economy rather than punish rivals.
He told congregants that the task ahead is enormous and called for calm politics, arguing that Kenya needs stability to attract investment and fix everyday hardships. He added that he is confident the opposition will defeat the Kenya Kwanza regime in 2027.
“Those who will be defeated should go home quietly, and for those of us who will win, we will begin the work of rebuilding the country. We have no problem with them, and we will not trouble them the way they used to trouble others while in power. We will not oppress them. There will be no revenge, because our task of reclaiming and rebuilding the nation is far greater than seeking vengeance,” Matiang’i said.
Matiang’i on campaigns
This comes weeks after he confirmed he is ending his stint at the World Bank in Washington, DC, to fully focus on his presidential campaign.
In an interview with a local TV station on July 1, 2025, he said he had notified the World Bank that he would not renew his contract so he could return home and participate in public affairs.
“I have indicated to the World Bank that I am leaving. I have indicated that when my contract comes up for review, I will not renew it,” he said.
He left Kenya on May 18, 2025, after publicly declaring his bid on May 2, travelled to the United States to formally tender his resignation, and returned on June 21 to a welcome led by Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni. Matiang’i joined the World Bank in September 2022 after leaving government.
The former CS, a key minister in retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, said his campaign will focus on restoring confidence in government, fixing the cost of living, and protecting civil liberties. He urged supporters to embrace peaceful politics and to keep their focus on policy, service delivery and national unity.
Opposition lineup
Across the opposition, several figures and formations are taking shape ahead of 2027. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has publicly declared his presidential bid. In recent weeks, he has been the public face of a “United Opposition,” a banner under which Kalonzo, Rigathi Gachagua of DCP, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, Martha Karua, and Fred Matiang’i have appeared together, promising to field a single candidate to face President William Ruto.
Martha Karua has also said she will seek the presidency in 2027 rather than serve as a running mate again. Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa has declared interest and was formally endorsed by his DAP-K party last year.
New entrants are emerging from civil society and the judiciary. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has announced his intention to run, while former Chief Justice David Maraga declared his bid in June and has begun grassroots fundraising. Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi joined the race on August 27, 2025.