This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On August 30, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta transferred a significant portion of his presidential duties to Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, solidifying his position as the country's unofficial Prime Minister.
Matangi's rise to power is a testament to his hard work and dedication, having worked his way through the ranks in government without any political background. Born in Nyamira county, he was a lecturer at the University of Nairobi for many years before joining politics.
His close relationship with AU Envoy Raila Odinga has also been a significant factor in his growing influence. Odinga has been quoted as saying, 'Matiang'i is my son and I know he deserves the best. Go slow, I know how to plan on this,' during the burial of former area MP Hezron Manduku in Kisii.
Leaders present at the funeral pleaded with Odinga to throw his weight behind Matiang'i in 2022, which could potentially complicate matters for Deputy President William Ruto's camp. Ruto has shaped up the 2022 duel as a contest between the hustlers vs dynasties, but the support of the Kenyatta and Odinga families could alter the dynamics of the election.
