Former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has drawn a firm line in the sand ahead of his 2027 presidential bid, declaring that no cartel, special interest group, or powerful individual will ever buy his loyalty or bend his decisions if he wins the presidency.
Speaking during an interview with Mulembe FM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Matiang’i delivered one of his most direct statements yet on the question of integrity – a theme that has become central to his political identity as he courts voters increasingly frustrated with what he describes as a leadership crisis at the top.
“I can look at your face and tell you, my dear friend, there is no cartel that would compromise me. There is nobody who would compromise me. There is nobody in this world who would compromise me,” he said.
A Track Record He Says Speaks for Itself
Matiang’i did not simply make promises; he pointed to history. The former education minister reminded Kenyans of his landmark crackdown on examination cheating, a campaign that dismantled deeply entrenched malpractice networks that had corrupted the country’s national testing system for years. He recalled that colleagues and stakeholders urged him to back down, yet he pushed forward regardless.
That experience, he argues, is proof that decisive and focused leadership can break systems that many assume are too powerful to touch.
“There is nothing you cannot do in this country if you are focused and serious. We have public servants who are committed and patriotic, very well trained to serve their country,” Matiang’i said.
Kenya’s Problem Is Leadership, Not Capacity
Looking beyond his own story, Matiang’i took direct aim at the current state of Kenyan governance. He argued that the country’s persistent struggles are not a matter of lacking resources, institutions, or skilled people; the real deficit, he says, is serious and sensible leadership willing to put national interest above personal gain.
He positioned his candidacy as the answer to that gap, promising voters a president who will govern without fear of powerful interests pulling the strings behind the scenes.
“I am that. I will fix it because I will not be intimidated by cartels,” he asserted.
Matiang’i also used the interview to extend an open invitation to Kenyans who share his vision for a transformed country. He expressed genuine confidence in the electorate, suggesting that ordinary Kenyans carry a deep love for their nation and will make the right choice when the moment arrives.
