The former powerful technocrat is struggling with the ‘project’ tag as he aligns himself with Kenya’s wealthiest and most influential political dynasty in his quest to be president. Some even see him as a front merely paving the way for the Kenyatta family’s return to the center of power.
It is an open secret that Fred Matiang’i is former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s horse in Kenya’s 2027 presidential contest. However, the coronation in October last year of Matiang’i as the presidential candidate of Jubilee Party, was the strongest signal yet that the 57-year-old technocrat has the backing of not only the former president but also the influential Kenyatta family.
As the Jubilee flagbearer, Matiang’i has access to two things that matter most in Kenya’s presidential politics: money and networks. This two factors converge neatly in Jubilee, a party controlled by Kenya’s wealthiest and most powerful political dynasty, which has produced two of Kenya’s five presidents since independence.
How this is playing out: The deep-pocketed Kenyatta family will easily bankroll Matiang’i’s presidential campaign but importantly, they bring to the table extensive local and international political networks any serious contender for the highest office would crave. This, however, has its downside for Matiang’i: being tagged a ‘project’ of Uhuru and in extension the former president’s family.
A characterisation Matiang’i has strongly denied saying he has what it takes to be president and should be judged by voters based on his record in public service. “What does that mean—to be someone’s project? It’s a historical fact that Uhuru Kenyatta appointed me to his Cabinet, and I served for 10 years,” he said in a recent televised interview.
Why this matters: It was not lost on keen observers that Uhuru not only personally endorsed Matiang’i for the 2027 presidential race but also gave him the political vehicle with which to campaign, namely, Jubilee. Sources well-versed with the inner workings of the party say such a decision could not have been made without the concurrence of Uhuru’s younger brother, Muhoho Kenyatta, who has a big say in the party albeit behind-the-scenes. Muhoho is said to control the party’s purse meaning his nod is crucial for a weighty decision like this to fly.
Running on a Jubilee ticket means Matiang’i is beholden to the Kenyatta dynasty. “The Kenyattas would not agree to back Matiang’i through another party. They can only do it through Jubilee. It is a party they own and control. That is why Matiang’i is not running on a party that is supported by his Gusii community as some of the people around him were pushing him to do,” a source said.
The implication is that the candidate has no control of the party and to a great extent who gets to be nominated as presidential running mate and for various elective positions on the party ticket in next year’s polls.
Enter Muhoho Kenyatta: The second son of Kenya’s first president Jomo Kenyatta with his fourth wife Mama Ngina Kenyatta wields enormous influence within the family, overseeing its expansive business empire straddling banking, manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality and real estate. Such a massive fortune necessitates proximity to state power in order to manage political risks and access big ticket opportunities including government contracts.
Although he prefers somewhat to remain in the shadow of his brother Uhuru who is the public face of the family, those who know Muhoho describe him as an astute political operative with the credentials and pedigree to run for president.
It is however unlikely that he, or any Kenyatta scion, will want to antagonise the current regime by directly running against President William Ruto. The political repercussions of such a move outweigh the benefits. There’s more sense at the moment in backing a candidate who stands a good chance but at the same time lacks the financial resources to sustain a serious campaign.
Matiang’i perfectly fits the bill but this obviously comes with strings attached. In return for financial and political backing, Matiang’i will have to give an undertaking to secure the interests of his benefactors once in power. In 2022, Muhoho was reportedly to assume a powerful position in government had Raila Odinga won the presidential contest with the backing of the Kenyattas.
The installation of Matiang’i as the Jubilee candidate aligns with the script: Muhoho not only takes up a powerful role in a Matiang’i government but more strategically, becomes the power behind the throne, ensuring the interests of the Kenyatta clan are well taken care. But for that to happen, Matiang’i must first win the big prize possibly with Muhoho Kenyatta as his running mate.