Dr. Fred Matiang’i
By Robert Nyasato
Jubilee presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i intensified his campaign efforts on Sunday, leveling accusations against the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing poor governance, human rights violations, and harm to Kenya’s international standing.
Encouraged by the enthusiastic response during his three-day visit to the Gusii region, Dr Matiang’i addressed church congregants in Nyandarua, asserting that Kenyans were seeking responsible leadership.
Speaking at a service in Shamata, he expressed that Kenyans were longing for decisive and accountable governance to pull the nation from what he termed “inept management.”
Dr Matiang’i maintained that under President William Ruto, Kenya’s global image had been “significantly damaged,” adversely affecting trade relations, diplomatic engagements, and investor confidence.
He pointed to the tea sector as an example, noting that Kenya’s access to certain international markets had been reduced due to diplomatic oversights.
“When leadership engages with questionable elements and disregards diplomatic protocols, regular farmers and laborers bear the consequences,” Dr Matiang’i stated.
The former Interior Cabinet secretary also voiced concerns about national security and immigration policies, claiming that “known international criminals are freely entering the country,” a development he indicated had alarmed international partners and donors.
Dr Matiang’i further alleged that the inclusive government had infringed upon human rights, highlighting reported cases of abductions and purported extrajudicial executions of youth critical of the state.
“This motivates our pursuit of leadership to liberate Kenyans, but through proper channels,” he informed the congregation.
In a pointed critique of governmental transparency, Dr Matiang’i questioned the handling of recent national calamities, including the death of Johana Ngeno and the aircraft crash involving the late General Francis Ogolla.
He emphasized that Kenyans deserved complete information.
“Leadership requires transparency, accountability, and respect for citizen intelligence. Kenyans deserve truth, not silence, not secrecy, not partial explanations,” he emphasized.
Characterizing the current administration as “indolent and imprudent,” Dr Matiang’i accused it of favoring lawlessness over public service, suggesting that individuals with dubious backgrounds were receiving passports and national IDs while ordinary Kenyans faced difficulties accessing essential services.
Dr Matiang’i was joined by several prominent opposition figures, including Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, and Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party.
Dr Matiang’i told opposition supporters that “change is not a request but an inevitability,” as the 2027 succession discussion continues to gain traction.