Matiang’i Dismisses Government Alliance Claims After Airport Photo, Attends Ahero Church Service

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i on Saturday dismissed claims that he had held a political meeting with Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed after a photograph of the three leaders at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) sparked speculation online that he was warming up to the government.

The photo, which circulated widely on social media on Saturday morning, prompted claims that the former Cabinet Secretary was engaged in talks that could signal a shift in his political alignment.

However, Matiang’i moved quickly to set the record straight, explaining that the meeting was purely coincidental.

“This morning, after checking in at the Kenya Airways desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, I bumped into Kisii Governor Hon. Simba Arati and Suna East MP Hon. Junet Mohamed, who had also checked in and were travelling to Kisumu. It was a chance encounter as each of us proceeded to board our flight,” he said.

He added that, contrary to claims circulating online, the encounter was neither a meeting held the previous night nor a planned political engagement.

“Contrary to false claims circulating online, this was neither a meeting held last night nor a planned engagement. It was simply a chance encounter between leaders at the airport,” Matiang’i stated.

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary said he then travelled to Kisumu, where he joined Siaya Governor James Orengo, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and worshippers for a church service at Apondo SDA Church in Ahero.

At the church service, Matiang’i joined the congregation in worship and fellowship, continuing a series of public engagements that have seen him attend religious gatherings and community events in different parts of the country.

The airport photo had fueled fresh political speculation, particularly amid heightened debate over possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election. Matiang’i’s clarification, however, sought to dispel suggestions that the chance encounter signified any formal political discussions or a move towards joining the government.