Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has revealed that his encounter with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in 2022 played a defining role in shaping his political ideology and inspiring his desire to seek Kenya’s presidency.
Speaking during an Adventist Men Organization (AMO) prayer breakfast at the SDA Church in Lavington, Nairobi, Matiang’i recounted being sent to Zambia as Kenya’s special envoy shortly after Hichilema’s victory over the late Edgar Lungu.
“The new President, knowing that I was an Adventist like him, requested that we meet at his home instead of the office,” Matiang’i said. Upon arrival in Lusaka, he was cleared by the military and escorted to Hichilema’s residence, where a memorable spiritual exchange unfolded.
According to Matiang’i, Hichilema asked him what his favourite hymn was. The two leaders then sang the hymn “He Leadeth Me”—each in their mother tongue. “Our security teams looked confused, wondering if we were okay as we sang in our respective languages,” he recalled humorously.
After the singing session, President Hichilema gave Matiang’i a tour of his house, narrating his personal struggles and persecution while in opposition. “He told me that his house windows had been broken, he had been arrested several times on trumped-up charges, and even lost a lawyer who was killed during one of his court appearances,” Matiang’i said.
The Zambian leader’s resilience and faith, Matiang’i noted, deeply moved him and reinforced his conviction to fight for justice and good governance. “Hichilema told me he had to fight for the presidency so he could do the right thing. That moment changed how I viewed leadership,” he said.
Although yet to officially declare his party, Matiang’i hinted at running for president, urging Kenyans—especially the youth—to demand accountability and remain steadfast in their faith and values. “We must be ready to sacrifice for the country we love. We don’t have another home,” he concluded.
