former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i delivered a sharp critique of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing the Kenyan people through broken promises, economic mismanagement, and neglect of the education sector. Speaking in Kisii County, Matiang’i declared that the government has led the country into deeper debt while offering little in return.
He singled out the Social Health Authority (SHA), calling it a hollow initiative filled with empty rhetoric. According to Matiang’i, the government has prioritized public relations over effective governance. “They have driven the country into debt—they have finished it,” he said.
Education was another focal point of his criticism. Matiang’i condemned the government’s failure to release capitation funds to schools, leaving many students at home. He questioned the transparency of the education budget, pointing out the discrepancy between publicized allocations and actual funding. “You think Ksh 64 million is enough while your children are at home? That’s absurd,” he added.
Rather than just criticize, Matiang’i presented himself as a solution. Citing his track record as a disciplined and effective public servant, he pledged to run a transparent government that delivers on its promises. He assured Kenyans that under his leadership, public funds would be used responsibly and for their intended purpose. “Nothing will go wrong, not a single thing,” he promised.
Matiang’i also hinted at a possible presidential run in 2027, saying he is ready to lead “even if it starts tomorrow.” The event, attended by key political figures, marked a potential launch of his bid for national leadership.
In summary, Matiang’i’s speech was both a direct challenge to President Ruto’s leadership and a signal of his own ambitions. He painted a picture of a country in decline and offered himself as the disciplined, results-oriented leader who can restore trust in government. Whether Kenyans will rally behind him in 2027 remains to be seen, but his message was clear: he won’t let them down.
