Presidential hopeful Dr Fred Matiang’i on Monday invoked the controversial 2018 self-swearing-in of Raila Odinga as the “People’s President” to underscore the need for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to avoid “monkey business” in the 2027 General Election.
Dr Matiang’i recounted how on January 30, 2018, he and top security chiefs from the National Police Service, the National Intelligence Service and the Kenya Defence Forces watched Mr Odinga take a symbolic oath of office.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta had warned us not to do anything rash that could trigger a crisis. So, as security chiefs, we agreed to let M Odinga take his oath, enjoy his moment and go home,” he said.
Mr Odinga had disputed the 2017 presidential election results, which he claimed were rigged and declared himself the rightful winner.
Dr Matiang’i said that at the time, a lack of public trust in the IEBC, coupled with widespread anger and political incitement, posed a serious threat to national security.
The tense atmosphere, he said, could have exploded if the state had attempted to disrupt the ceremony.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary urged political leaders to refrain from reckless speech that could provoke unrest.
“Some leaders are already making irresponsible remarks including claims about rigging the 2027 vote in favour of President Ruto. Such utterances lay the groundwork for violence. Relevant authorities should act and remove such loose cannons from office. But in Kenya, we often glorify nonsense,” said Dr Matiang’i.
He accused the Dr Ruto administration of responding with excessive force to youth-led protests, leading to unnecessary deaths and looting. He urged the president to rise above petty political exchanges.
“The president should be the father of the nation . There are statements that should never come from him or his inner circle. Everyone in leadership must watch their words,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i confirmed he will vie for the presidency and credited his political foundation to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party.
“My loyalty lies with Uhuru and Jubilee. They brought me into public service and helped shape who I am. That said, I’m not a political project and yes, I was his Cabinet Secretary. We built this country together, I embrace his legacy, but that doesn’t make me a puppet,” he said in an interview at K24 TV.
He noted that while Jubilee is his preferred party, he is currently exploring other options.
“I will announce my party soon. Right now, I’m like a suitor with several interested ladies. I’m in talks, weighing my options,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i added that he is participating in ongoing opposition unity talks led by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
“Wea re in one camp building consensus. It’s a tough process but Kenyans want us to stick together. Don’t believe those saying we are fighting we haven’t even officially started,” he said.
He further warned President Ruto that his administration could soon be under the radar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to alleged “shoot-to-kill” orders, vote-rigging declarations and involvement in arming rebel groups in neighbouring countries.
“We want a free, fair, and transparent election. If IEBC dares to misbehave, there will be problems. The president’s shoot-to-kill orders and his alleged links to rebels in neighbouring states are a fast track to the ICC,” he said.
On ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s recent proposal for an intergenerational dialogue to address the country’s problems, Dr Matiang’i dismissed the idea as "just another political gamble that will end up driving the country in circles'.
“We already have a president, a deputy, governors, MPs, senators, county reps, and administrators — all systems needed to register public grievances. We don’t need another forum,” he argued.
Responding to Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri’s claims that Ruto is courting him and others for the 2027 race, Matiang’i dismissed the notion.
“If Ruto wants to talk, what new information would I tell him that Gen Z hasn’t already screamed? We don’t need a conclave to know that schools lack capitation or that health systems are crumbling.”
“Respect common sense. Students are deferring university studies due to lack of fees. We don’t need committees for that.”
Matiang’i blamed the ongoing protests on a breakdown in public trust and transparency in government.
“We have some of the best human capital in Africa, but everything is politicised. Instead of doing their jobs, our leaders walk around with Bibles, deceiving the public,” he said.
He described Kenya’s politics as “so dirty” that capable people are either staying out or moving abroad.
“But the Gen Z movement gives me hope. They’ve shown us what kind of leadership we need. They don’t care about tribe or party — they want solutions,” he said.
“I’m not old guard. I’m not corrupt. I speak Swahili. I’m not on Gen Z’s blacklist — I’m their best candidate. I’m the fixer they want.”
“I’m not arrogant or dictatorial. I listen and collaborate. But I’m results-oriented — and that means pushing people when needed. Those who call me a dictator are probably just lazy.”
“Focus is driven from the top. And when you have freeloaders in your team, they’ll naturally resist structure. But results must be delivered.”
