UPA Throws Its Weight Behind Matiang’i for 2027 Presidential Race
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) party has officially endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
This decision came after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Nyamira on Wednesday, where the endorsement was made unanimously.
Matiang’i, who had been a significant figure during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, is said to have recently returned to Kenya after spending some time in the United States since 2022.
His endorsement marks a significant step for the party as it prepares for the upcoming presidential contest.
Jacob Bagaka, the UPA Secretary General, expressed confidence in Matiang’i’s popularity, noting that his candidacy had been widely accepted across the country. Bagaka further emphasized the party’s plans to launch an aggressive campaign, extending their reach beyond the Gusii region, where the party has a strong following.
“Our party is ready to hit the ground running,” Bagaka stated, signaling the beginning of a national campaign to strengthen UPA’s position as a major player in Kenyan politics.
Nyamira Governor Amoss Nyaribo, who leads UPA, also spoke about the party’s growth. He revealed that UPA was steadily expanding across the nation, with efforts already underway to form alliances with other like-minded Gusii-based parties. This coalition would aim to increase the region’s political influence in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Matiang’i, who was one of the founding members of UPA, had supported Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections. Despite not officially declaring his candidacy for 2027, there have been widespread reports suggesting he is positioning himself to challenge President William Ruto.
UPA, though still in its early stages, managed to secure one governor, one MP, and 18 MCAs in the 2022 elections. The endorsement of Matiang’i marks a crucial milestone for the party as it looks to expand its influence and support base in the lead-up to the next presidential race.
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UPA Throws Its Weight Behind Matiang’i for 2027 Presidential Race
