Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has downplayed his recent appointment as the chairperson of a newly constituted National Development Implementation and Communication Committee.
Six weeks after President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him to head the committee on service delivery, Dr Fred Matiang’i has come out to clarify that his new role is not meant to undermine any of his Cabinet colleagues.
“This is certainly a useful mechanism to clarify, not to confuse; to coordinate, not to undermine. My new role was created to help, not to hinder; more importantly, to promote inter-ministerial coordination,” said the no-nonsense Minister in an interview with Sunday Nation.
He added: “Among the inter-ministerial matters, the coordination is required for removing difficulties, removing differences, overcoming delays, coordination in administrative action and coordination of policies.”
He downplayed the ‘super minister tag’ saying the committee is not a one-man show.
“At Cabinet level we do not have shallow insecurities because we know each one of us is uniquely qualified to do what the others can. As you saw from the President’s communique, this committee is not a one-man show but rather a committee constituting almost the whole wing of the Executive,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i further denied reports of simmering tension in the Cabinet with ministers allied to the Deputy President William Ruto said to be sulking over his appointment, which they believe was meant to undermine the DP ahead of the 2022 elections.
“Our working relationship has tremendously improved if the 100 percent attendance of our weekly meetings is anything to go by,” he said.
“If there are any imaginary divisions, then they are a creation of the media and those who seek to politicise everything. For us, we shall focus on delivering services to Kenyans.”
Matiang’i also noted that the Ministry of Interior remains his major focus.
“It is where I report on a daily basis and even with additional assignments, I understand I have to deliver on my primary ministry.”
