Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing Kenyans and pledging to provide an alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Nyasore, Kisii County, during the burial of Mzee Naftal Zachary Chweya on Friday, Matiang’i, who has declared interest in the presidency, criticized the government for “lying to Kenyans” while plunging the country deeper into debt. He questioned the effectiveness of the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that it has yet to prove beneficial to ordinary citizens.
“Does this thing called SHA really work? They have driven the country into debt; the only work these people are doing is indebting our nation,” Matiang’i charged.
The former Education CS further raised concern over the delayed disbursement of capitation funds to schools, saying the government was crippling education by neglecting learners and parents. He cited reports of missing billions even as schools struggle to operate.
“Today alone, I spoke to about four principals, and they told me they have not received capitation. We read in the newspapers that Ksh.24 billion has been stolen, yet schools have no money. And then they mock parents by handing out Ksh.64 coins,” he said.
Matiang’i vowed that under his leadership, funds meant for education would be safeguarded, emphasizing his record of ensuring timely capitation when he served in the education docket. He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of prioritizing political theatrics at the expense of service delivery.
Calling on Kenyans to prepare for change in 2027, Matiang’i said the country needs a government that is honest, accountable, and focused on development. “When we were in government, this habit of stealing people’s money was not there. I am ready to begin work even tomorrow to restore integrity in governance,” he declared.
The former CS was flanked by Senator Okong’o Omogeni, MPs Patrick Osero and Clive Gisairo, as well as UPA National Chairperson Nyambega Gisesa, signaling mounting political support in Kisii ahead of his 2027 presidential campaign.
