Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has presented himself as the solution to Kenya’s deep-rooted problems, declaring that the country has grown weary of constant political theatrics.
During a live television interview on Monday, July 14, 2025, Matiang’i stated that he was ready to roll up his sleeves and repair broken systems. His eyes fixed on the presidency in the 2027 elections, he declared that tangible change is possible if leaders regain trust and stay focused on serving the people.
He added that Kenyans are now more mature and are willing to entrust leadership to people who have a record of delivery.
“I believe we have come to a point where Kenyans are tired of this drama.
“It’s time to get some work done, and if people are looking to get some work done, honestly, I am the guy to get things fixed. I am the guy to do the work. Let’s get to doing now and fix things,” he stated.
The former powerful CS under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration called for a radical shift in leadership culture, urging a return to trust, integrity, and service delivery. Matiang’i said Kenya needs leaders who are committed to honest governance and meaningful action.
“What this country needs is a trust in leadership and honesty in the delivery of services. Kenyans are ready to build a team and work with people who can deliver. I am all about delivery and ensuring that when we wake up in the morning, we deliver to the people. I am about better and honest management of our country,” he remaked.
Matiang’i Identifies Politicisation of Public Services as Key Problem
Matiang’i at the same time decried the politicisation of public services and the chaos within institutions tasked with serving Kenyans. He argued that many of the country’s challenges stem not from a lack of funding, but from poor decision-making and weak leadership.
“The challenge we face is the politicisation of services and disorganisation of people tasked with offering services, and the infiltration of politics in these areas. Half of our problems have nothing to do with budget and resources, but with decisions and management. I believe if we bring Kenyans together and build trust with them, there is nothing we cannot achieve,” he stated.
Matiang’i also addressed claims that he is harsh, explaining that he is a results-oriented leader which is often misconstrud wrongly.
“I acknowledge that when you are in public life, then citizens see and know you and are well placed to make judgments on someone. So I will not fault the people saying I am a harsh leader,” he opined.
Matiang’i Slams Kenya’s Talk-Heavy Politics, Vows Results-Driven Leadership
He says that, unlike many leaders who abound in empty talk, commitment to the course is his modus operandi. Matiang’i lambasted Kenya’s talk-centric leadership culture where the country has been accustomed to leaders who make grand promises but do not deliver. He added that people who prioritize action and delivery are often and unfairly labeled as tough.
“But in Kenya, for a long time, we have become used to leaders who talk a lot. Those leaders who stress delivery and getting work done are perceived as harsh. For me, I am that person. If we are working on something, then we have to do it, and the result of the work is seen,” he stated.
He added leadership has to be measured on solid results, not rhetoric. He cast himself as someone who stays focused on the task at hand, unflappable in the face of distractions or personal attacks.
“Sometimes leadership is all about getting results. You can stand and say, While was there, I did this. So I am a person who focuses on the job. If it is about being harsh, it is because I always insist on results. If it is about being proud, I don’t know about that. I only know I am not easily distracted,” he added.
