Aasai

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has boldly declared his intention to run for Kenya’s presidency in 2027, pledging a leadership style rooted in responsibility, transformation, and unwavering accountability. Speaking passionately to Kenyans living in the United States on Monday, Matiang’i positioned himself as a candidate prepared to take the country forward without casting blame or offering excuses.

In a speech that marked his clearest indication yet of seeking the presidency, Matiang’i directly criticized the current Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to prioritize key national concerns. He emphasized the importance of Kenyan diaspora participation in national development, underlining their potential role in shaping the country’s future.

“I am not here to point fingers,” Matiang’i declared. “Let’s focus on moving forward. The stars are ahead of us, and we must pursue them. I will not blame anyone. I will take full responsibility, and I am ready to be held accountable.”

Matiang’i described national leadership as a serious and demanding responsibility, noting that true leadership is only understood by those who carry its burden. While acknowledging the pressing economic and political challenges facing the nation, he called them temporary hurdles that can be overcome with collective effort and visionary policies.

“No one will truly understand the weight of national leadership until they sit in that office and know that millions are listening to their decisions,” he said. “This is not child’s play. Running a country is serious business. But we are a capable nation. We have enough resources to lift Kenya to the next level.”

Education featured prominently in Matiang’i’s address, as he voiced concern over the decline in government funding to schools. He warned that the inconsistency in education policies threatens long-term progress and demoralizes both students and educators.

“We had begun reforms in the education sector, aligning the curriculum with market needs,” he noted. “We used to allocate Ksh.1,400 per primary school pupil and Ksh.22,000 for each secondary student. These figures are now reduced, and in some cases, schools don’t receive any funds. I regularly speak with teachers and principals who are worried and overburdened. Policy certainty is essential for the success of education.”

Calling for a more inclusive national agenda, Matiang’i emphasized the importance of engaging all Kenyans—especially those in the diaspora—in the countrys development discourse. He also paid tribute to the young lives lost during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests of the previous year, dedicating a moment of silence in their memory.

“We cannot build a future for Kenya without including the diaspora. Your voice matters. Your presence counts,” he affirmed. “June is now what many of us refer to as Gen Z Month in Kenya. Let us pause and observe a moment of silence for the brave young people we lost during the protests.”

As the 2027 elections approach, Matiang’i’s message offers a sharp contrast to current leadership, highlighting a campaign focused on integrity, inclusion, and solutions. His remarks appear to strike a chord with Kenyans both at home and abroad, many of whom are yearning for leadership that is visionary, honest, and committed to national progress.