Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has reaffirmed his commitment to transformative leadership, pledging not to disappoint Kenyans if elected president in 2027.
Speaking at the Adventist Men Organisation (AMO) prayer breakfast at Lavington Seventh-day Adventist Church on October 5, 2025, Matiang’i assured Kenyans of a government anchored on efficiency, integrity, and service.
“If I am ever given the honour and privilege to serve this country in office, I pledge to you in this sanctuary that I will not let you, my fellow Kenyans, down. You will see a government of efficiency, integrity, and service,” he said.
Earlier, the former cs vowed to transform Kenya if elected president in 2027. Speaking during an Interview, 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.”
My campaign runs on funds from friends and Kenyans.
During the Interview, he also 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.
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.
Understands How Government Works.
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.
