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Matiang’i to Ruto: Kenya is suffering from ‘mediocre leadership’
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i says that Kenya is suffering from the consequences of average leadership.
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has criticised President William Ruto over his recent remarks suggesting that Kenyans are average thinkers.
Dr Matiang’i said that, in reality, Kenya is suffering from the consequences of average leadership.
“Now, some government leaders are saying we Kenyans are average thinkers! No, we are certainly not. Our country is reeling from the vagaries of average leadership!” Dr Matiang'i stated.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary explained that confusion, chaos, and corruption dominate public policy across the nation.
“Everywhere we look in terms of public policy, it is confusion, chaos and looting that reign supreme!” he said.
Dr Matiang’i spoke at Gesiaga Primary School grounds in Nyamira County during the burial of Mzee Joas Abuga Mogeni, the uncle of Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni.
President Ruto recently stated that “the problem with Kenyans is average thinking”, urging citizens to embrace excellence to accelerate national development.
During a speech to a diaspora audience on the sidelines of the UN Social Development Summit, he encouraged Kenyans not to settle for mediocrity and to aspire to greatness in all endeavours, including leadership, education, and innovation.
The President’s statement has sparked significant debate and criticism, with many Kenyans on social media expressing offence at the remark, viewing it as an insult from the head of state.
Critics argue that the real issues facing the country are the government’s performance—including corruption and the high cost of living—rather than the thinking capacity of its citizens.
But President Ruto has maintained that an “average” mindset has no place in the Kenyan narrative, which should be defined by excellence and hard work—a sentiment he has echoed when addressing the country’s economic potential and the need for innovation.
Dr Matiang’i said it was embarrassing that two Kenyans were detained in a foreign country for 38 days.
“It is very shameful that it was former President Uhuru Kenyatta who had to intervene to secure the release of the two Kenyans who had been detained in Uganda while we have [elected] leaders,” said the Jubilee official.
After their release, activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were held in Uganda for 38 days, recounted harrowing details of their ordeal in what they described as a “safe house” operated by the Ugandan military.
Senator Omogeni, his Kisii counterpart Richard Onyonka, former Kisii Senator Prof Sam Ongeri, and Borabu MP Patrick Osero supported Dr Matiang’i’s sentiments, stating that President Ruto’s administration has failed.
The leaders urged the Kisii community and other Kenyans to support Dr Matiang’i’s presidential bid, insisting that he is the right person to move the country forward.
“He has a proven track record and we ask Kenyans to support his bid. He is our leader,” said Mr Onyonka.
Prof Ongeri added that the former CS has the qualities of a good and efficient leader, and Kenyans should give him a chance.
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, elected under the United Democratic Alliance ticket, was booed by the crowd when he attempted to defend President Ruto.
The leaders allied with Dr Matiang’i also urged voters to choose candidates aligned with him in the Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya ward by-elections.
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