Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has revealed that his presidential campaign is powered by ordinary citizens and friends, insisting that he does not rely on vast personal wealth or illicit sources.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday night, Matiang’i dismissed speculation that his bid is funded through smuggling or looting public resources, saying his strength lies in grassroots support.
“I don’t have a lot of money. I have not smuggled gold from anywhere, and I have not looted anything. I am just Fred working with people, and I’m happy,” he said.
The former CS explained that contributions come from friends, former classmates, and well-wishers who pool resources to keep his movement alive.
“I meet friends who say, ‘Waziri, I will fuel your car or give you Sh100,000 to do it.’ I move around with friends and former classmates, we put money together, and so if President Uhuru Kenyatta gives me a contribution for the campaign, he will be one among hundreds of people who have done that,” Matiang’i added.
He acknowledged that he does not have the financial muscle of some other contenders but emphasised the value of support from people who believe in his leadership.
“It’s true, people say I don’t have money. I raise money from the people. I was in the US the other day raising money from Kenyans abroad,” he said.
Matiang’i positioned himself as a candidate driven by integrity, accountability, and trust, not deep pockets.
He also dismissed claims that his campaign is sponsored by Uhuru, calling such narratives baseless and petty.
“I am not Uhuru’s project. Why would I even be rattled by that? It’s something that cannot annoy me or even a cockroach,” he said.
Matiang’i explained that his long-standing professional relationship with Uhuru reflects friendship and trust, not political manipulation.
“I served under Uhuru as Cabinet minister for 10 years. He trusted me in the last three years of his administration to chair the Cabinet Coordination Committee, and he is my friend. I have no problems with that. Now, how would I be a project?” Matiang’i asked.
Highlighting his career beyond government, Matiang’i argued that insinuations about political sponsorship defy logic.
“I have just come from the World Bank. Am I the World Bank’s project? People need to respect common sense. We waste time on pettiness,” he said.
