Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i says no amount of money, threat or intimidation will push him out of the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking Sunday during a meeting with grassroots leaders at the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel in Laikipia, Matiang’i launched his campaign in the Mt. Kenya region with a fiery pledge to stay the course.
“I cannot be bought, bullied, or backed out of the 2027 presidential race because this is my personal decision to help fix the nation,” Matiang’i told the gathering. “No money, no threats, no intimidation will make me drop from this race.”
The former powerful minister dismissed claims he was a political project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying such accusations were meant to distract voters.
“Wasn’t Ruto also Uhuru’s deputy? Does that mean he was a project? I am not anyone’s project. I am on my own,” Matiang’i said.
Matiang’i accused President William Ruto’s administration of hypocrisy in the fight against corruption, charging that the government had failed to lead by example.
“You cannot claim to fight corruption when your own family is doing business with government departments,” he said.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka shake hands with Fred Matiang’i during Meru tour. Photo: Peter Munya Source: Facebook.
If elected, Matiang’i said his top priority would be to bar public officials from doing business with the government. He promised to overhaul procurement systems within six months of taking office.
Matiang’i’s candidacy received a boost after Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya and Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni endorsed him, pledging Mt. Kenya’s backing.
“Even if another candidate comes from Mt. Kenya, Matiang’i will beat them at home,” Kioni said.
The ex-CS also said he was in talks with several opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, to build a broad coalition. He plans to announce his political vehicle soon.
Fred Matiang’i and Peter Munya. Photo: Peter Munya Source: Facebook
Matiang’i pledged to run an issue-based campaign, steering clear of insults and divisive politics. “Kenyans are tired. They want leadership that delivers, not leadership that shouts,” he said.
