Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i promises honest leadership as he declares 2027 presidential bid

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, stating that he is not currently aligned with any political party as he continues consultations with various leaders and groups.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Matiang’i said he is holding broad consultations with political leaders and parties across the country and will only commit to a political vehicle after inclusive discussions have taken place.

“I am not a member of any political party yet,” he said.

“If I joined one now, I would disadvantage others I’m in discussions with. Several political parties have approached me to be their candidate. I feel flattered, but I don’t want to close the door on anyone. I want comprehensive and inclusive conversations.”

Growing public frustration

He 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.”

Fix governance failures

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.

The former CS said his recent political activity in Kisii County, his home region, should not be interpreted as ethnic mobilisation but rather a return to his roots following time away from public life.

“When I arrived back in the country, I went home. That’s common practice the world over. Everyone comes from somewhere. Even in the U.S., every presidential candidate works from their state—Bill Clinton from Arkansas, Obama from Chicago, Biden from Delaware. That’s what I did. I just went to my state,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that his Kisii presence signals exclusivity or ethnic preference in his political plans.

“We chose democracy, not because it’s perfect, but because the alternative is horrendous. People are free to belong where they choose politically. Multiplicity of political expression is healthy for the country,” he said.

Not binding

On remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suggesting that he should build a strong base in Kisii before engaging in national coalition talks, Matiang’i said the statement was a personal opinion and not binding.

“That was Gachagua’s personal opinion. He didn’t pass a law. If we are to work together, we’ll sit down and talk. I prefer not to comment based on press quotes. If I need to understand someone’s position, I’ll talk to them directly. Politics must allow room for dialogue,” he said.

Matiang’i also clarified his role within the opposition coalition, stating that efforts are currently focused on building relationships, engaging widely with the public and agreeing on a shared platform.

“We are just beginning. Some people are still forming parties. It’s premature to declare concrete positions. This is a time for engagement, listening, and relationship-building. Elections are still over two years away,” he said.

Working as a team

Asked why he has not appeared alongside opposition leaders in recent meetings, Matiang’i said they are working as a team but in different capacities across the country.

“We are not taking roll call. This country is big. I was in Thika recently, you didn’t see my colleagues there. But we are working together. You saw us at Kenyatta National Hospital, in Karen, and in Wamunyoro. We are not always in one place. Everyone is deployed to different areas to interact widely with Kenyans,” he said.

Turning to recent Gen Z-led protests, Matiang’i called for national dialogue and urged leaders, especially those in government, to create safe spaces for youth expression.

“One of the critical issues raised by Gen Z is that they are not being heard. Their voices are shut out. If you’re a patriot and love your country, the first question is, what can I do? And my answer is to step forward and offer leadership,” he said.

He faulted the government for failing to foresee or respond effectively to the storming of Parliament on June 25, saying the event exposed lapses in intelligence and national leadership.

“This has never happened since independence. Parliament is just two kilometres from the State House. I know how the National Intelligence Service works. I don’t know where the chain broke, but the government must have known what was coming,” Matiang’i said.

“Even after it happened, I expected an all-party inquiry in Parliament to establish what went wrong. That would have given Gen Z, civic groups and faith-based organisations a chance to speak. When dialogue happens, we move in the same direction,” he added.

When reminded that he previously took a hard stance on opposition protests during his time at the Interior Ministry, Matiang’i acknowledged the past but said today’s challenges demand dialogue.

“Yes, in 2017, I barred protests in the CBD when there was imminent danger. But the current situation requires engagement. We need to listen to young people and respond to their concerns with meaningful solutions,” he said.