Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is slowly becoming a frontrunner in the upcoming 2022 presidential elections if the current endorsements he has been receiving recently are anything to go by.
Matiangi, who was in Murang’a to attend a thanksgiving ceremony for NCIC Commissioner Wambui Nyutu, was touted as the most fitting politician to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, long ahead of the general elections.
The tough-talking CS was also equated to the late Cabinet Minister John Michuki both in his performance of Cabinet duties and his loyalty to the president.
“The CS has been loyal to President Kenyatta, just like the late Michuki, who was obedient to retired President Mwai Kibaki,” Mt Kenya Foundation chairman Peter Munga said.
Former Jubilee vice chairman and a close ally of President Kenyatta, David Murathe, described Matiang’i as a performer and a worthy successor of Uhuru, whom he described as the best man to safeguard the interests of Kenyans.
Borabu MP Ben Momanyi, who has been leading calls for a Matiang’i presidency in the Kisii region, told the gathering that the Interior CS was ready for the task while asking the Kikuyu community to join the rest of Kenyans in pushing for his candidature.
“CS Matiang’i has the support from Western region of the country and especially his Kisii backyard, and the best lieutenant for Kenyatta,” he said as quoted by The Standard.
Speculation has been rife on whether the ‘super CS’ is planning for a presidential run following signals that he has secured the backing of two of the country’s most influential leaders, the president and ODM chief Raila Odinga.
The details emerged as Matiang’i and Deputy President William Ruto openly clashed, signalling the increasing bad blood between the duo — who could face off in the 2022 presidential duel.
Within Ruto’s camp there is growing anxiety that Matiang’i is being propped up by powerful people, including influential individuals within the First Family.
He has recently made several trips to Raila’s Luo Nyanza backyard in the company of several ODM leaders, launching a couple of development projects and presiding over fundraisers.
The CS has also taken up communal activities, visiting his rural Kisii backyard several times, in a strategy to rally the region behind him.
Since the March 2018 handshake, the CS holds Raila in high regard and has in various public functions heaped praise on him as a “statesman”.
Speaking when he presided over a funds drive in aid of Achego Girls School in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, earlier this year, Matiang’i said he was a protégé of the opposition leader.
“Raila recently said I am his son. I will walk close to him as we navigate ways to help our people. I will go the direction he shows me,” said Matiang’i.