Campaigns for Kenya’s 2027 general elections have started to take shape, with political leaders actively positioning themselves for the upcoming race.
Among the most notable figures is former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has largely kept his intentions under the radar.
Dr Matiang’i, who is considering a run for president in 2027, has hired the Montreal-based Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson for $250,000 (Sh32.5 million) to garner international support.
So far, he has made a down payment of $65,000 to kick-start the process.
According to documents filed by Dickens & Madson with the United States Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, Dr Matiang’i hired the company on 13 July 2024.
Like Dr Matiang’i, President Masisi of Botswana also enlisted the services of the same company on 10 July of this year, just three days earlier. His recent victory as President of Botswana has sparked excitement, as it ended the ruling party’s 58-year hold on power.
Additionally, Mr Dumo Buko succeeded in removing his predecessor after just one term.
As per the agreement, Dickens & Madson will lobby the executive and/or legislative branches of the governments of powerful nations, including the US, UK, Japan, Kenya, and any other mutually agreed-upon countries, as well as international organisations, on Dr Matiang’i’s behalf.
He may also receive media and public relations assistance, help with recruiting key personnel, training, equipment, technical assistance, and development support as may be appropriate. All of this is outlined in the documents.
Dr Matiang’i became a powerful figure during his time as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Education under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
His efforts to deliver on key issues, particularly in education and security, were recognized by many, though opinions on his approach varied.
As a result, he developed a strong rapport with then-President Kenyatta, who went on to appoint him as Chair of the committee of Cabinet Secretaries.
However, this relationship later soured during President Ruto’s regime, culminating in what many perceived as harassment, including a raid on his home.
Dickens & Madson has been involved in several controversies in the past. In 2021, it was forced to drop a $2 million contract with Myanmar’s ruling junta to defend the 1 February military coup after failing to secure approval from US and Canadian authorities.
Two years earlier, the firm signed a $6 million deal to seek government funds and diplomatic recognition for Sudanese General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, whose forces have been accused of massacring protesters in Khartoum. The Globe and Mail reported that the deal included efforts to “obtain funding and equipment for the Sudanese military.”
— By Tina Akal
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