Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has called on Kenyans in the United States to actively engage in electoral processes, urging them to convert patriotism into tangible action by registering and voting in upcoming elections. Addressing diaspora communities in various U.S. cities, Matiang’i decried the low voter turnout during the 2022 General Election, revealing that out of over 300,000 Kenyans living in the U.S., only about 10,000 registered to vote and fewer than 3,000 cast their ballots.
“We cannot complain about poor leadership if we are not participating in choosing our leaders,” Matiang’i emphasized. “Voting is the most direct way to demand accountability.”
The former CS, who has publicly declared his intention to run for the presidency, announced plans to petition the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to expand diaspora voting infrastructure. He proposed increasing the number of polling stations in the U.S. from three to at least ten or fifteen to make voting more accessible.
“We have already begun forming a team of diaspora leaders from various cities to spearhead this initiative. If necessary, we will also go to court to ensure Kenyans abroad are not disenfranchised,” he said.
Matiang’i used the forum to assert his readiness for national leadership, citing his decade-long experience in government, including four years as the de facto coordinator of government operations. “I understand how government works almost like the back of my hand,” he stated. “Hold me to account I will not run from responsibility.”
He challenged the diaspora to extend their involvement beyond sending remittances and become active participants in shaping Kenya’s future. “You can’t be content with contributing economically but silent on leadership. Get involved in choosing who leads Kenya,” he told the audience.
Notably, Matiang’i’s U.S. visit coincides with that of former Deputy President and current DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, setting the stage for contrasting political narratives targeting the influential diaspora electorate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
