Matiang’i Ignites Diaspora Power Play: Calls for Massive Voter Boost Ahead of 2027 Showdown with Ruto

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has reignited the push for greater electoral inclusion of Kenyans living abroad, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle in the 2027 General Election where he is expected to challenge President William Ruto. 

While addressing Kenyans in the United States on Sunday, July 20, Matiang’i made a bold call for the expansion of diaspora polling stations, particularly in the US, to enable more Kenyans abroad to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.  

He revealed that the opposition had already begun submitting a petition to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to consider the proposal. 

“About 300,000 Kenyans are in the US, yet less than 10,000 registered to vote in the 2022 elections, and fewer than 3,000 actually voted. This is unacceptable,” Matiang’i said. “My first challenge to you people is that you need to participate in electing the leaders of Kenya so that you can hold people to account.” 

He emphasized the urgent need to grow the number of polling stations beyond the current two or three in the US. According to him, this is not only about logistics but about making democracy accessible to the Kenyans who contribute so much to the nation’s economy through remittances, yet remain largely locked out of leadership decisions. 

Matiang’i urged diaspora leaders to launch vigorous sensitization campaigns to encourage Kenyans abroad to register as voters and actively engage in the electoral process. He called on the middle class back home to also stop being passive and join the national push for accountability through the ballot. 

“Whatever we do, unless we are participating in making that decision on who is going to make decisions for us, we will have nothing to talk about because we are only going to whine and complain about it,” he said. 

Matiang’i joins a growing list of prominent figures eyeing the presidency in 2027, including Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, David Maraga, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya.  

The field is quickly crowding as opposition forces begin to organize early, hoping to unseat President Ruto in a hotly contested election. 

Meanwhile, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced on Saturday, July 19, that the commission will unveil the official voter registration schedule in August.  

A gazette notice will soon detail the nationwide and diaspora voter registration timelines, marking a critical step in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. 

As political momentum builds, the diaspora could emerge as a key force in determining Kenya’s future, if, as Matiang’i urges, they seize their right to vote and demand a seat at the decision-making table.