Former Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has revealed why he and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have not been frequently seen conducting traditional ground campaigns.
This comes after Kenyans have been questioning why Matiang’i and Kalonzo Musyoka were not frequently appearing at public rallies or actively campaigning on the ground, asking whether the two politicians had a different strategy for the 2027 race.
In a statement during a live interview session on August 10, Matiang’i said politicians have different working styles and that appearing on top of campaign vehicles is not his preferred approach.
“Everyone has their own style of working. We are not the same people. Some are seasoned politicians; they like getting on top of the car and addressing crowds. Being on top of a car is not my most comfortable zone. Getting into a car every day is not my zone,” said Fred Matiang’i.
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Matiang’i said he prefers sitting down with people, meeting them directly, discussing issues and focusing on solutions rather than relying on traditional campaign rallies.
He said some politicians are more comfortable addressing crowds from campaign vehicles but noted that he does not consider that his preferred way of engaging voters.
“I am better off sitting down, meeting with people, getting to the issues and making noise. And I am not the only one. There are people who have essentially taken that approach,” Fred Matiang’i explained.
Fred Matiang’i also said he is not the only politician who has adopted this approach, describing it as a different way of campaigning and working with people.
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“Even when I was a Cabinet Secretary, I was taken before a parliamentary committee and asked why I was going to schools. I said I go to schools because education happens in schools, not in a chicken house,” he cited.
Kibaki and Modern Campaigning
Fred Matiang’i cited former President Mwai Kibaki as an example of a leader who was not frequently seen delivering lengthy public speeches.
The former CS said most clips of Kibaki speaking publicly lasted less than 10 minutes, except during national events or when making remarks from a vehicle.
He said political work should focus on solutions rather than words and slogans, arguing that decisions made through such work can affect millions of people.
Matiang’i also pointed to social media as a modern campaign tool, saying a post viewed by 70,000 people can reach more people than a single political rally.
He maintained that he and others following a similar approach are campaigning and working differently, with greater emphasis on solutions.
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Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i have remained active in politics despite being less visible at some joint opposition rallies in recent months.
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Kalonzo has continued political activities through Wiper and Azimio structures, including efforts to consolidate his Ukambani base and plans for engagements in Kajiado and other counties.
Matiang’i has also been undertaking political mobilization through regional engagements, with activity reported in areas including Kisii, Mt Kenya, Nyanza and Western Kenya.
Their lower visibility at joint rallies comes as opposition leaders continue to organize separately in their respective political strongholds. This has allowed individual leaders to expand their networks while assessing their support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The opposition’s 2027 presidential ticket also remains unsettled, with Kalonzo, Matiang’i and other coalition principals still associated with possible leadership arrangements. No final opposition ticket has been formally settled.
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