Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential bid has come under renewed scrutiny after lawyer Peter Wanyama cited the recent Court of Appeal decision declaring the disputed Ruaraka land to be public land.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Wanyama questioned whether the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) would now pursue recovery of the KSh1.5 billion compensation paid over the land transaction and hold public officials accountable.
His remarks come as Matiang’i continues to position himself as one of the leading opposition figures seeking to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i during a past event. Photo:Dr Fred Matiang’i Source: X
Ruaraka questions
Wanyama argued that the Court of Appeal judgment had revived questions surrounding accountability in the Ruaraka land saga.
“The recent confirmation by the Court of Appeal that the Ruaraka land is public land raises an important question: Will the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) take action to recover the KSh1.5 billion from senior government officials and fraudulent owners who misappropriated the taxes paid by citizens?” Wanyama wrote.
The lawyer further questioned the anti-graft agency’s priorities.
“Legally, the case appears straightforward and winnable. However, it prompts further inquiry into whether the EACC is more focused on pursuing minor offenders rather than addressing significant corruption.”
He added: “Should we continue to question the accountability of our institutions, or is it time to accept the status quo?”
2027 spotlight
The Ruaraka land compensation has remained one of the issues associated with Matiang’i’s tenure in government and is expected to feature prominently as political campaigns ahead of the 2027 election gather momentum.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i during a past event. Photo:Dr Fred Matiang’i Source: X
Matiang’i has previously maintained that he committed no wrongdoing in the matter and has stated that he is prepared to account for his record in public office.
The latest remarks by Wanyama add to the growing political debate surrounding the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as he continues to market his presidential bid under the Jubilee Party banner.
At the time of publication, Matiang’i had not publicly responded to Wanyama’s latest remarks. The story will be updated if he or the EACC issues a response.
