Fred Matiang’i is gearing up for a Sh50 billion presidential campaign war chest. The former Interior CS is not only returning to the political scene but doing so with the backing of powerful local, regional, and international financiers determined to oust President William Ruto in 2027.
Sources close to Matiang’i confirmed that the funds are already being mobilized and his campaign strategy is firmly in place. The goal is to storm the State House with or without help from key opposition figures, such as Rigathi Gachagua or Kalonzo Musyoka.
Inside the Sh50 Billion Matiang’i Campaign Budget
Matiang’i’s campaign is being funded by an explosive mix of disgruntled political dynasties, regional enemies of Ruto, and foreign organizations dissatisfied with the regime’s crackdown on civil liberties.
Leading the local front is former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who has already injected Sh200 million to rebrand Jubilee campaign trucks. The Kenyatta family has pledged Sh5 billion, with another Sh5 billion promised by the family’s allies.
The Nyachae family has also stepped in with a Sh2 billion pledge, tied to long-standing personal and political loyalty to Matiang’i. In fact, the late Simeon Nyachae mentored Matiang’i, who managed his 2002 presidential bid.
Mombasa tycoons like Ashok Doshi and Mohammed Madhubuti are backing the campaign. In Kisumu, Swan Industries magnates Kiran and Nishal Shah are financing the effort through their links to the Nyachae empire.
From Rift Valley, Gideon Moi has promised Sh3 billion and is pushing Kalenjin tycoons who profited during his father’s rule to contribute an additional Sh2 billion. These donors feel betrayed by Ruto’s elevation of allies like Oscar Sudi and Farouk Kibet at their expense.
On the international front, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and DRC president Felix Tshisekedi are committed to Matiang’i’s rise. Both leaders accuse Ruto of interfering in their domestic affairs, from hosting rebels to smuggling gold and minerals through Kenya.
Foreign Influence and Secret Lobbying Deals
Matiang’i has already paid Sh8.4 million to Canadian lobbying firm Dickens and Madson, with a Sh32.3 million annual retainer. The firm, infamous for backing African strongmen, will lobby the US Congress and global influencers to support his bid. It will also polish Matiang’i’s global image and distribute campaign materials.
The firm’s involvement shows that Matiang’i’s campaign is not only serious but deeply entrenched in international power plays. Backers in Washington, including Ford Foundation, are said to be privately funding Matiang’i’s advocacy work after falling out with Ruto.
The president had accused Ford of sponsoring anti-government protests in 2024, a claim that led to diplomatic tension. The Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker reportedly met Matiang’i in the US and pledged informal support. Other Western groups disillusioned by Ruto’s authoritarian turn have also joined the funding network.
Evidence of Full-Scale Mobilization of Matiang’i Campaign Budget
Signs of Matiang’i’s readiness are everywhere. His campaign trucks, emblazoned with Jubilee colors and the slogan “Mbele Pamoja,” have already been spotted. The trucks reportedly cost over Sh30 million and are only the beginning. Sources say more vehicles and logistics hubs are being prepared nationwide.
The former CS will jet back into the country on June 21 after formally resigning from the World Bank. His return marks the beginning of a nationwide tour to cement his support base. Before flying to the US in May, Matiang’i had already begun intense grassroots engagement, consolidating alliances with political heavyweights in the opposition.
Uhuru is personally rallying Kikuyu billionaires and ex-CSs like Joe Mucheru, James Macharia, and Amina Mohammed to bankroll Matiang’i. These tycoons amassed wealth under previous administrations and have now turned against Ruto, who has sidelined them.
Deep Political Ties and Ruto’s Retaliation
The Nyachae family’s loyalty to Matiang’i runs deep. During Simeon Nyachae’s burial, Matiang’i emotionally credited him for shaping his political career. That relationship is now translating into financial muscle to fuel Matiang’i’s campaign.
In retaliation, Ruto has blocked Charles Nyachae from becoming IEBC chair, despite being the top choice. Gachagua revealed the snub was personal, stemming from a decades-old rivalry between Ruto and the Nyachae patriarch.
Meanwhile, Ruto’s regime is cracking down on Moi family businesses. Police recently raided Gideon Moi’s Kencont Freight Station on land disputes—moves seen as retaliation for his support of Matiang’i.
