Matiang’i: Ruto’s gov’t has failed, but I won’t let you down

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has accused President William Ruto’s administration of failing Kenyans, saying he is ready to take over leadership to steer the country back on track.

Addressing supporters in Nyasore, Kisii County, during the burial of Mzee Naftal Zachary Chweya on Friday, the 2027 presidential hopeful said Kenyans deserve a government that delivers services and not one that “lies and indebts the nation.”

He faulted the government for failing to deliver on its promises, questioning the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“Does this thing called SHA really work? There are things we have been doing, continuing to lie to people with things that are not true, until people themselves see that it is not working. They have driven the country into debt; they have finished it. The only work these people are doing is indebting our nation. That is the only work happening in our country,  nothing else.”

Matiang’i also raised concerns about delayed capitation to schools, saying it was unfair to parents and learners.

He vowed that under his leadership, funds meant for schools would be safeguarded.

“Today alone, I spoke to about four principals, and they told me they have not received capitation. Capitation funds have not reached the schools. We have sent our children to school, they have opened, but how will teachers teach them? Then we read in the newspapers that Ksh.24 billion has been stolen, yet they start flying around giving Ksh.64.”

“And our mothers, you mean you are satisfied with Ksh.64 while your children are at home? That is foolishness, I am telling you. Isn’t that so? These people have failed in their work — or don’t you see it? They have failed. And as God created us, the Kisii people, I am ready to remove my shirt and begin, so you can see how government will be managed properly.”

Matiang’i referred to his leadership track record while in the helm of the Education and Interior dockets, intimating that the country needs a government that is honest with its citizens.

“Do you want us to milk the cow, or do you want us to work? Let me tell you this: we have worked with you, our people. We have been in government, moving here and there working, and I want to inform you that I am ready to start that work even if it were to begin tomorrow, to help our country,” Matiang’i said.

“Nothing will go wrong, not a single thing. When we were in government, we used to send money to schools. This habit of stealing people’s money was not there. This work, even if you lie to us, going around, talk too much, look for people — they come looking for people here at night and take them away."

"As the senator said, when you meet them, don’t take Ksh.200 from them. They have stolen our money; let them give each person Ksh.10,000. If they don’t have Ksh.10,000, don’t go anywhere at all.”

The CS was accompanied by Senator Okong’o Omogeni, MPs Patrick Osero and Clive Gisairo, and UPA National Chairperson Nyambega Gisesa during the event.