Matiang’i: As president, I'll restore public trust in government

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has pledged to restore public trust in the government if he clinches power in the 2027 general election.

Matiang’i, who was among a raft of opposition politicians hosted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the latter’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Sunday, accused President William Ruto’s government of “playing” with Kenyans.

“I pledge to streamline and clean up this country, and restore the faith of people in government so they can trust it again; that a government official can tell you something and you will trust them,” he told the crowd.

“A government should not be playing with its people like is happening currently.”

He described himself as a hard worker, citing his tenure as Education CS under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, when he says he stamped out exam cheating.

“As CS for Education, I was a very hard worker. I get excited at the mention of work; I used to inspect schools from dawn across counties and still open national examination containers at 4 a.m. the next day in a different county,” said Matiang’i.

“I am ready to weed out rogue people in government, and as voters, it is your responsibility to choose whoever you will trust with that power.”

The former minister told attendees that some government officials are sowing division among Kenyans “so they can distract you from seeking solutions to the challenges you face,” and urged them to stay united in fighting bad leadership.

He has so far toured the Gusii region to mobilise support, as well as forging unity with other leaders opposed to Ruto’s administration and who were present at Gachagua’s home, such as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party’s Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa of DAP Kenya party.

The team says they will all agree to front one leader to face Ruto in 2027.