Kenya Minute.
Monday, 5 October 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 5 October 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Person

Fred Matiang'i

Also known as: Former Interior Cabinet Secretary · Jubilee Party Deputy Leader · Dr Matiang'i · former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i · Jubilee Deputy Party Leader · Dr Fred Matiang'i · Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i · Dr. Fred Matiang'i · Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i · the former Interior Cabinet Secretary · the Jubilee presidential candidate · Dr. Matiang'i

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party Deputy Leader running for president in 2027, appearing at 14% in polls.

2026-04-242026-10-05

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. September 2026
  2. The Standard

    … Speaking on a local radio station on Wednesday, Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i called the incident unacceptable in a country that has built its international reputation on press freedom."If a person is making mistakes while doing his work, let legal action be taken …

    Political leaders demand answers as Alex Kiprotich's abduction sparks outrage
  3. The Standard

    … Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i said that the meeting was centred on strengthening their unity and defining a common path forward. …

    Opposition intensifies coalition talks
  4. August 2026
  5. Citizen Digital

    … Back in 2022, campaigning as William Ruto's running mate, Rigathi Gachagua stood before a rally in Nyandarua County and tore into then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, accusing them of mistreating rank-and-file police officers …

    What's in an outfit? Police take on new clothes, again, as other reforms remain hanging
  6. The Standard

    … "Rigathi, I see you are constantly attacking Fahima, but the day something bad happens to her, is when you will know that she has her roots in Lamu; I will come to Wamunyoro myself," he said.Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i was also criticised for allegedly overseeing a …

    Hassan Omar attacks Uhuru, again
  7. Citizen Digital

    … Several leaders within the opposition have either declared or expressed interest in the presidency, including Gachagua, Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Marag …

    Gachagua: Opposition to pick single presidential candidate by April 2027
  8. Citizen Digital

    … Ruto and his allies have accused Uhuru of bankrolling the opposition, especially Sifuna and Jubilee Presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i, who mount a challenge for the presidency in next year's general election. …

    Atwoli to Uhuru: You failed to make Raila president, you will not make Sifuna one
  9. Citizen Digital

    … Fred Matiang'i, Justin Muturi, Charity Ngilu, and Martha Karua.

    Uhuru calls on political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect political diversity
  10. Citizen Digital

    'You don't scare me' - MP Arama slams Gachagua, backs Matiang'i for presidency By Edward Chweya August 23, 2026 11:22 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama has o …

    'You don't scare me' - MP Arama slams Gachagua, backs Matiang'i for presidency
  11. Citizen Digital

    … 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); Ruto and his allies have in several occasions accused Uhuru of bankrolling the opposition, especially Sifuna and Jubilee Presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i …

    Sifuna laughs off claims of being sponsored by former President Uhuru
  12. The Standard

    … Kama wanataka Kalonzo ni Kalonzo, wakisema wanataka Ruto, ni Ruto, wakisema wanataka Matiang'i ni Matiang'i, na wakisema wanataka SIfuna, ni Sifuna," Uhuru stated. …

    Uhuru hits back at Ruto: Kenyans will choose their president in 2027
Politics

Ruto allies defend Dangote refinery amid opposition scrutiny calls

The News

President Ruto's political allies, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, have attacked opposition leaders for demanding transparency on the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has invoked constitutional provisions calling for Parliament to scrutinize the government's agreement with billionaire Aliko Dangote on the project.

4 October 2026 · The Standard →

Yesterday

  1. Ruto allies defend Dangote refinery amid opposition scrutiny calls

    President Ruto's political allies, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, have attacked opposition leaders for demanding transparency on the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has invoked constitutional provisions calling for Parliament to scrutinize the government's agreement with billionaire Aliko Dangote on the project.

    4 October 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. Opposition leaders pledge united voice by end of December

    The United Opposition says it will speak with one voice by December as parties work to overcome differences and settle on a common political position ahead of 2027. DCP director Stanley Kimure said opposition leaders would commit to supporting whichever presidential candidate is picked, though the opposition has yet to agree on how to select a joint flagbearer.

    29 September 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 27 September

  1. Gachagua accuses Ruto of wasteful UNGA delegation spending

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto over the size of his delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, claiming more than 500 people accompanied him at public expense and calling it "sheer wasting of public resources."

    27 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 25 September

  1. Wamalwa: UDP will be Sifuna's political vehicle for 2027

    DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa stated that the United Democratic Party will serve as Senator Edwin Sifuna's political vehicle for the 2027 General Election, after plans to rebrand it as the Ukombozi People's Party collapsed due to a dispute over the name. Wamalwa said the opposition remains united and focused on building a united front for the polls.

    25 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. NLP leader Muli demands evidence for Uhuru and Kalonzo election claims

    National Liberal Party leader Augustus Kyalo Muli challenged former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to provide evidence for claims that Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election and previous contests, questioning why Uhuru did not publicly contest the outcome when he was still president.

    25 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. Uhuru claims Raila won 2022 election, disputes Ruto victory

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has cast doubt on President William Ruto's 2022 election victory, stating he knows Raila Odinga won the election, and hinting at a scheme to manipulate the outcome that secured Ruto's win.

    22 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Uhuru Kenyatta accuses Ruto of using him as scapegoat for failures

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticized President William Ruto for attributing governance failures to his predecessor rather than taking responsibility, saying "four years later, it is still Uhuru this and Uhuru that." Kenyatta also announced his support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, citing his commitment to ending tribal politics.

    22 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 21 September

  1. Matiang'i demands transparency on Kenya's G-to-G oil deal

    Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang'i has called for full disclosure of the Government-to-Government oil importation deal following President Museveni's revelation of alleged middlemen involvement, arguing that Kenyans deserve detailed agreement documents and scrutiny of middlemen roles.

    21 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Poll shows Ruto leading 2027 presidential race at 35.2%

    A Bobea Report poll conducted in late August to early September found President William Ruto would lead hypothetical elections today with 35.2 per cent, ahead of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at 19.1 per cent and former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i at 14 per cent, with 17.7 per cent undecided.

    8 September 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Matiang'i alleges new police uniforms scheme benefits top leaders

    Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i has alleged that the government's move to introduce new police uniforms is a money-making scheme for individuals in power, who use their companies to supply uniforms at inflated prices. He argues Kenya has the capacity to produce uniforms through institutions like the National Youth Service and Kenya Police Service, and that the proposed Ksh2.8 billion procurement could be redirected to other sectors.

    2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Political leaders condemn journalist Alex Kiprotich's abduction

    Political leaders, lawyers and rights organisations have condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was seized by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru road and found dumped near Masinga Dam in Machakos County about nine hours later. The Orange Democratic Movement and other leaders called the incident an affront to press freedom and demanded an investigation.

    2 September 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Opposition coalition intensifies unity talks among eight principals

    The United Alternative Government held its second closed-door meeting in eight days, with eight principals present. Party leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, and Eugene Wamalwa emphasized unity, restoring hope, and defining a common path forward, with a representative of Rigathi Gachagua expressing optimism that the coalition would produce a single presidential candidate.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 27 August

  1. Police uniform overhaul planned as wider reforms stall

    President William Ruto is expected to unveil a new police uniform on August 28, with over 6,000 graduating constables set to wear it starting August 31. The change marks at least the third significant general-duty uniform overhaul in under a decade, raising questions about why uniforms are easier to reform than actual police practices.

    27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Hassan Omar repeats criticism of Kenyatta family wealth

    UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar has reiterated controversial remarks questioning how the Kenyatta family accumulated wealth and land holdings, and said he will propose renaming Mama Ngina Waterfront after colonial resistor Mekatilil wa Menza if elected Mombasa Governor.

    27 August 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Opposition to select single presidential candidate by April 2027

    Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua said opposition discussions on a presidential candidate could begin after Christmas, with selection possible by April 2027, but emphasized that current focus should be on political mobilization against the government.

    26 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 25 August

  1. Atwoli accuses Uhuru of attempting to divide Western region

    COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of trying to divide the Western region by backing Linda Mwananchi leader Edwin Sifuna for president in 2027, comparing it to Uhuru's failed effort to make Raila Odinga president in 2022. Atwoli urged the Mulembe community to remain united and vigilant against manipulation.

    25 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Sunday 23 August

  1. Uhuru urges leaders to protect democratic freedoms and political diversity

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta called on Kenya's political leaders to protect democratic freedoms, respect political diversity, and allow citizens to freely determine their political leadership, warning that suppressing political competition risks reversing democratic gains achieved by past generations.

    23 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. MP Arama rejects Gachagua pressure, backs Matiang'i for presidency

    Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama has criticised Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua for what he describes as coercion and intimidation, saying he will not abandon his Jubilee Party affiliation where Matiang'i is vying for president and that he enjoys constituent support despite Gachagua's threats.

    23 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Sifuna dismisses Uhuru sponsorship allegations against opposition

    Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed allegations that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is bankrolling the opposition against President William Ruto's administration. Sifuna ridiculed Ruto's response when asked for evidence, noting that Ruto cited a newspaper article rather than providing direct proof.

    23 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. Uhuru says Kenyans will freely choose 2027 presidential candidate

    Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta said voters will have the final say on who leads the country after the 2027 General Election, insisting he has no interest in active politics. He listed various potential candidates, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and jokingly cautioned against claims he was sponsoring Sifuna or the Linda Mwananchi movement.

    23 August 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Ruto accuses Uhuru of bankrolling opposition ahead of 2027

    President William Ruto has accused former president Uhuru Kenyatta of financing the opposition, including Jubilee and Linda Mwananchi parties, as well as bloggers against the government. The accusation has become routine in Kenya Kwanza's 2027 campaign messaging.

    18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Gem MP warns Sifuna of political sidelining ahead of 2027 election

    Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo warned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his allies are setting him up for political failure ahead of the 2027 General Election, invoking the historical example of Tom Mboya. Odhiambo, a supporter of President William Ruto, urged Nyanza Region residents to back Ruto for a second term.

    18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 17 August

  1. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro leaves UDA, joins opposition party

    Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has formally left the United Democratic Alliance and joined the People's Party of Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nyoro announced the move on Monday at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi after nearly a year of consultations with opposition leaders.

    17 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Martha Karua says she is best suited to be president

    People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua expressed confidence in becoming Kenya's next president ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the time has come for a woman to lead the nation and citing her track record as Minister for Water and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

    17 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Homa Bay MP Kaluma faces scrutiny over one-term supporters remarks

    Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma is under scrutiny after declaring the phrase "one-term" prohibited in the county and warning of consequences for those using it. In an undated video, he also warned hotels against hosting one-term supporters and threatened to deploy youth groups to inspect establishments, saying he has funded fuel for their transport.

    17 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 13 August

  1. EACC demands Ksh.1.5 billion repayment over illegal Ruaraka land deal

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has issued demand letters to 22 individuals and three companies, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and former NLC Chairperson Muhammad Swazuri, seeking restitution of Ksh.1.5 billion paid for a controversial 13-acre Ruaraka land acquisition, following a Court of Appeal decision that found the payment illegal.

    13 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 7 August

  1. Broad-based leaders warn opposition against alliance with Gachagua

    Leaders allied to the Broad-based government have cautioned opposition figures against working with Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, claiming he would sideline and overshadow political allies. The leaders urged Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang'i to abandon the opposition and work with President William Ruto instead.

    7 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Gachagua declares 2027 presidential bid, claims opposition strength

    Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua declared he is best suited to be the united opposition's presidential candidate to unseat President William Ruto, citing strong support in the Mt. Kenya region. Fellow party leaders warned against divisions within the opposition coalition.

    7 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Matiang'i accuses Ruto of misusing State House resources

    Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i has accused President William Ruto of using public resources to host delegations at State House while Kenyans face a high cost of living. During a political tour of Kuria East in Migori County, Matiang'i and other opposition leaders also alleged the Kenya Kwanza administration is laying groundwork to manipulate the 2027 General Election.

    6 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Gachagua alleges police officers paid to assassinate him, Matiang'i, Kalonzo

    DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that two police officers attached to Kikuyu Police Station were paid to assassinate him, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a political rally in Kikuyu earlier this year. Gachagua alleged the officers were behind the plot and accused Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin of protecting them.

    5 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Fred Matiang'i — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute