Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has pledged to restore public confidence in government if elected president in 2027. Speaking during a political gathering in Wamunyoro on Saturday, Matiang’i emphasized the need for unity, resilience, and institutional reform to heal the nation’s growing distrust in leadership.
Hosted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and joined by key opposition figures, Matiang’i declared that Kenya needs a thorough “clean-up” to rebuild credibility and deliver public services effectively. “You give us this mandate, you will see how work is done. We need to clean our country, restore faith in government so that people can trust government again,” he stated.
The Wamunyoro event marked Matiang’i’s first public appearance alongside opposition leaders, signaling a shift in political alliances and the possible emergence of a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Among the leaders present were Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC-Kenya’s Martha Karua, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and former Cabinet Secretaries Justin Muturi and Mithika Linturi.
Matiang’i called on Kenyans not to despair despite the current economic and political turmoil, framing it as a “temporary phase” that the country can overcome through collective action. “Let’s not lose hope in our country. What we are going through is just a momentary situation. We’ve had challenges before, but we always rise again,” he said.
He urged citizens not to turn against each other amid rising tensions, reiterating Kenya’s enduring spirit and the power of national unity. “This country is built on resilience. Don’t lose hope, let’s unite, and we will cross that bridge and fix our challenges. We will fix our education, our healthcare. We will find solutions to our challenges together,” Matiang’i affirmed.
Political analysts believe Matiang’i’s entry into the 2027 race could reshape Kenya’s political landscape, especially if the opposition maintains its united front. His message of institutional integrity, service delivery, and national unity may resonate with a population growing increasingly disillusioned with current leadership.