Matiang’i condemns religious gimmicks in Kenyan elections, urges focus on honest leadership ahead of 2027 polls
Matiang’i said Kenyans should question the integrity of leaders using religion to appeal to voters instead of being swayed by religious theatrics.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has criticised the use of religion as a campaign tool in Kenya’s elections, terming it a “circus of lies” aimed at deceiving voters.
Speaking during an interview with Kameme FM on Monday, Matiang’i said Kenyans should question the integrity of such leaders instead of being swayed by religious theatrics.
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Matiang’i noted that many politicians suddenly turn overly religious during election seasons, attending church services and carrying large Bibles to win public sympathy.
“Wakati wa uchaguzi, hayo ni maneno tulikuwa tunaona wakati ule wa 2022. Ni hiyo mzunguko wa uongo. Sarakasi tu,” (During elections, we hear the same things we saw in 2022. It’s a cycle of lies, just a circus), he said.
He went on to mock the politicians’ behaviour, saying: “Watu wanabeba Biblia kubwa inaweza kukuangusha chini… Wakiitwa wanaanza kuimba, ‘Ngai wakwa, Ngai wakwa eh'.") They carry huge Bibles… When called upon, they start singing ‘My God, my God,’ to impress people).
Matiang’i urged voters to focus on leaders’ honesty and credibility rather than their staged religious acts.
“Watu hawaulizi, huyu muungwana haya mambo tunaambiwa hii, ni ukweli?” (People don’t ask themselves: this gentleman saying all these things, is he telling the truth?) he posed.
The 2027 presidential hopeful presented himself as the leader best suited to address Kenya’s leadership and governance challenges, emphasising that meaningful progress is possible if leaders prioritise trust and effective service delivery.
“What this country needs is a trust in leadership and honesty in the delivery of services. Kenyans are ready to build a team and work with people who can deliver. I am all about delivery and ensuring that when we wake up in the morning, we deliver to the people. I am about better and honest management of our country,” he said.
He further pointed to poor management and politicisation of public service as major barriers to progress.
“The challenge we face is the politicisation of services and disorganisation of people tasked with offering services, and the infiltration of politics in these areas. Half of our problems have nothing to do with budget and resources, but with decisions and management. I believe if we bring Kenyans together and build trust with them, there is nothing we cannot achieve,” Matiang’i said.
“I believe we have come to a point where Kenyans are tired of this drama, and it’s time to get some work done. And honestly, I am the guy to do the work, let us get to doing and fixing things.”
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