Speaking during an interview with Phil Director, Omari’s comments reflect his continued respect for the former Cabinet Secretary, even as Matiang’i faces the more difficult task of translating his government experience and political profile into a nationwide presidential campaign.
Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential ambitions
Matiang’i served as Interior Cabinet Secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta and has increasingly featured in discussions surrounding Kenya’s 2027 succession politics.
His political profile is closely associated with his record in government, particularly his tenure at the Interior Ministry. His potential presidential campaign would, however, require him to build a broad national coalition and support base beyond his traditional political strongholds.
Under Kenya’s constitutional requirements, a presidential candidate must secure more than half of all votes cast in the election and at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in more than half of the counties.
Matiang’i’s possible entry into the race could therefore have significant implications for the opposition’s efforts to consolidate around a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
From legal representation to political debate
Omari’s relationship with Matiang’i has previously placed him at the centre of some of the former CS’s most politically sensitive moments.
In 2023, he represented Matiang’i during investigations linked to the alleged incident at his Karen residence, maintaining that his role was to provide legal representation irrespective of political affiliations.
His latest remarks add another dimension to the growing debate over Matiang’i’s political future and whether the former Interior CS can build the alliances and national support required to mount a competitive presidential campaign in 2027.
