Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has stated that he will engage with people who believe in his leadership to mobilise resources for his campaign in the 2027 presidential elections.

Speaking during a live TV interview on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Matiang’i said he does not have the resources to bribe people and pay voters.

“I don’t think that is for public discussion. The truth of the matter is that when you go into a campaign, you seek donors and people to support you for your campaign. I will seek support from well-wishers and those who believe in my leadership. I have no money to bribe people and go pay voters,” Matiang’i noted.

Driven by Public Frustration.

Matiang'i explained that his decision to run for the top seat was informed by the growing public frustration, a breakdown in trust between citizens and government, and what he termed as a lack of clear national direction.

“Kenya doesn’t need a saviour or ruler. It needs an honest, hardworking, consensus-building leader who can restore trust and guide the country forward. That’s the kind of leadership I want to offer,” he said.

“The level of pain and misery in the country is alarming considering our resources and capacity. When I talk to school principals and parents, I see frustration because there’s no clear direction in policy or support. That should not be the case.”

Matiang’i, who served in Cabinet for nearly 10 years, said he has a deep understanding of how government works and believes he can contribute meaningfully to fixing the country’s governance failures.

“I happen to know government like the back of my hand. I’ve worked with civil servants and private sector players across many sectors and crises. I know what our country is capable of,” he said.

Grassroots Mobilisation.

The former CS said his recent political activity in Kisii County, his home region, should not be interpreted as ethnic mobilisation but rather a return to his roots following time away from public life.

“When I arrived back in the country, I went home. That’s common practice the world over. Everyone comes from somewhere. Even in the U.S., every presidential candidate works from their state—Bill Clinton from Arkansas, Obama from Chicago, Biden from Delaware. That’s what I did. I just went to my state,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that his Kisii presence signals exclusivity or ethnic preference in his political plans.

“We chose democracy, not because it’s perfect, but because the alternative is horrendous. People are free to belong where they choose politically. Multiplicity of political expression is healthy for the country,” he said.

Political Affiliation, Alliances.

Matiang’i denied affiliation to any political party at the moment, stating that he was in broad consultations with several political parties and that he would arrive at a decision once the discussions are finalised.

“I have been approached by seven or eight political parties on whether we should work together. It is flattering that we have many political leaders sitting down in their executive committees, and saying maybe Fred Matiang’i should be our candidate even before I ask them,” Matiang’i remarked.

Matiang’i further noted that he would not be seeking to go alone in the upcoming presidential elections, stating that he is intent on forming an alliance with several political parties to bolster chances of taking leadership of the country after the 2027 polls.