Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has broken his silence on claims that he is a political project of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, firmly denying the allegations.
“Even a Fool Would Know It Doesn’t Add Up”
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, July 1, Matiang’i dismissed suggestions that he is being positioned by Uhuru for a presidential run in 2027, asking critics to define what being a “project” truly means.
“There are things that people tell you that, when you sit back and analyze them, they won’t make sense even to a fool,” said Matiang’i. “It is an indelible historical fact that Uhuru appointed me to his Cabinet and I served in three significant portfolios over 10 years.”
“Why Not Call Me a World Bank Project Too?”
Matiang’i emphasized that Uhuru appointed nearly 30 Cabinet Secretaries during his tenure, many of whom still serve today.
“Am I a project simply because I served in Uhuru’s Cabinet? If that’s the logic, why not say I’m a World Bank project since I just came from there?” he added.
Has Matiang’i Declared a 2027 Bid?
The former CS clarified that he hasn’t made a decision about contesting for the presidency in 2027. He added that although he regularly speaks with Uhuru Kenyatta, running for office hasn’t been part of their discussions.
“I have not asked Uhuru whether I should run or not. We only discuss Kenyan matters when we meet,” he noted.
No Political Alignment Yet
Matiang’i stated that he is not affiliated with any political party at the moment, even though some groups, including the Jubilee Party and UPA, have attempted to claim him as their flagbearer.
In January, Jeremiah Kioni publicly endorsed Matiang’i under the Jubilee banner to take on President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
“Fred Matiang’i is the one they are saying is in Jubilee. He worked with the party for 10 years… We have our candidate—Fred Matiang’i,” Kioni declared.
What Next for Fred Matiang’i?
While speculation continues to swirl around his political ambitions, Matiang’i remains tight-lipped, stating only that his future moves will be guided by his vision for Kenya not by political labels.
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