Former Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, has taken a significant step toward his political ambitions by securing the services of a prominent Canadian lobbying firm. In a move that signals his serious intentions to vie for the 2027 presidential election, Matiang’i inked a consultancy agreement with Dickens & Madson, a lobbying powerhouse based in Montreal, Canada. This agreement, signed on July 29, 2024, aims to help the former CS enhance his political prospects through strategic public relations, media engagement, and lobbying efforts.
The deal has raised eyebrows due to its high financial stakes. According to documents obtained by Citizen Digital, Matiang’i made an initial down payment of $65,000 (approximately Ksh. 8.4 million), with a retainer of $250,000 (about Ksh. 32.3 million) for the firm’s services. The agreement outlines the firm’s responsibilities, which include providing media and public relations services to advance Matiang’i’s political goals. Additionally, Dickens & Madson will engage with the United States government, lobbying both the executive and legislative branches to support his presidential ambitions. The firm’s influence in Washington, D.C., could be a key asset in Matiang’i’s bid, helping to solidify international backing as he positions himself as a credible contender for Kenya’s top office.
While Matiang’i has maintained a relatively low profile regarding his political future since stepping down from active politics in 2022, following the end of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, this partnership with a Canadian firm suggests a deliberate and well-calculated strategy. The one-year agreement, which is renewable upon mutual consent, indicates that Matiang’i is preparing for a long-term campaign, ensuring his name remains in the political conversation as the 2027 elections approach.
Dickens & Madson, the firm at the center of this agreement, has a history of involvement in high-profile lobbying activities for various African leaders. They have previously worked with figures such as Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe and Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan militia commander. The firm’s experience in dealing with contentious political figures and regimes adds an interesting layer to Matiang’i’s political journey. In 2019, the firm was also engaged in an image-improvement deal with Sudan’s military regime, highlighting its ability to manage and navigate complex political landscapes.
The firm’s international experience, particularly in dealing with African leaders, could prove invaluable for Matiang’i as he seeks to position himself as a statesman capable of commanding both local and international support. The lobbying firm’s proposed services include assisting Matiang’i in preparing and distributing informational materials to further his presidential ambitions. Such materials would likely help shape his public image and influence how voters perceive him as a candidate, particularly as he seeks to counter any negative narratives that may have emerged from his tenure as Interior CS.
Matiang’i’s decision to hire a high-powered foreign lobbying firm could raise questions about his domestic political connections, given Kenya’s complex political environment and the significant role of local political alliances in presidential races. His engagement with Dickens & Madson signals a modern approach to Kenyan politics, where international expertise and strategic partnerships can play a pivotal role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Despite the skepticism that might surround his external influence, the move reflects Matiang’i’s serious commitment to a 2027 run, and it remains to be seen how his relationship with the Canadian firm will evolve in the coming months. As the election season heats up, it will be crucial to observe how these efforts translate into tangible political gains for the former CS, who remains an influential figure in Kenya’s political sphere.
Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions are now clear, and with the backing of a seasoned lobbying firm, his journey toward the 2027 election will be one to watch closely as the political landscape in Kenya continues to shift.
