Fred Matiang’i denies being Uhuru Kenyatta’s project, confirms 2027 bid to ‘fix Kenya’
Matiang’i said his previous Cabinet appointment during Uhuru Kenyatta's reign should not be mistaken for political puppetry.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has rejected claims that he is a political project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, calling the allegations unfounded and misleading.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday, Matiang’i said his past Cabinet appointment should not be misconstrued as evidence of political puppetry.
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Matiangi served in various dockets under Kenyatta’s administration, including as the Interior and Education CS.
“What does that mean—to be someone’s project? It’s a historical fact that Uhuru Kenyatta appointed me to his Cabinet, and I served for 10 years. But he appointed about 30 people. Some are still in government today. Why not say I’m a World Bank project since I just came from there?” he posed.
While confirming that he remains in contact with Uhuru, he clarified that he has not sought the former president’s endorsement for the 2027 general election.
“I haven’t asked him whether I should run, but we discuss Kenyan affairs like I do with thousands of other Kenyans whenever I get the opportunity,” he said.
No party commitment yet
Matiang’i also addressed speculation over which political outfit he is aligned with, saying several parties have expressed interest in backing his presidential ambition, but no formal commitment has been made.
“I’ve heard some say UDA has claimed me. I’ve heard Jubilee has claimed me. Several other parties will also claim me. And frankly, I am flattered. I may be the only politician in recent times who has so many parties claiming him,” he said.
He emphasised that his consultations are aimed at forming a broad, inclusive coalition capable of confronting the country’s pressing issues with unity and resolve.
“We are better off when we work together, coalesce our forces, and pull our visions together. Splitting into many camps doesn’t help. That’s why I’m having these conversations—to build a strong coalition for the good of Kenya,” Matiang’i said.
Fix the country
He noted that his intention to run for the presidency is driven by the pain and frustration he sees among ordinary Kenyans, coupled with a sense of responsibility to help fix the country.
“The level of pain and misery we are witnessing is shocking, considering the capacity and resources this country has. I know what our country is capable of. I keep reminding myself, we are better than this,” he said.
He recalled the early years of the Jubilee administration, when Kenya was under intense pressure due to the ICC cases against its top leaders and multiple terrorist attacks, yet still managed to avoid the level of despair now seen in the population.
“We came to government in 2013 with four big challenges: the ICC, the Westgate attack, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport fire, and the Garissa attacks. Despite those, the public never felt the pain and hopelessness that we’re seeing now,” Matiang’i said.
He pointed to his decade-long experience in government and the widespread anger witnessed during recent protests as further motivation to step in and offer leadership.
“If you are a patriot and love your country, the first call you must answer is: What can I do for my country? I feel compelled to make my contribution from the office of the president and help fix the challenges we are facing,” he said.
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