Fred Matiang’i Breaks Silence on 2027 Bid: “I Won’t Buy Votes, My Campaign Will Be People-Powered”

After months of mounting speculation, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has finally addressed swirling rumors about his presidential ambitions, and the money behind them. 

In a candid interview on Citizen TV, Matiang’i shut down claims that his campaign is being secretly funded by shadowy political figures, particularly those linked to former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

Dismissing the chatter as “unnecessary and speculative,” he clarified that if and when he launches a campaign, it will be by the people, for the people. 

“When you go into a campaign, you seek donors and people to support you,” Matiang’i said. “I don’t think that is for public discussion.” 

His statement marks a clear line in the sand as he distances himself from the narrative that his political comeback is being engineered from behind closed doors. Instead, Matiang’i emphasized that support will come from Kenyans who believe in his leadership, not from backroom deals or cash handouts. 

“I have no intention of using money to buy votes or bribe the electorate,” he added, signaling a new tone in a political culture often driven by patronage. 

While Matiang’i didn’t confirm or deny links to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who gave him key positions in government, he was quick to push back against suggestions that he’s anyone’s political puppet. 

“Yes, I worked closely with the President, but so did many others, including those currently in office,” Matiang’i said. 

He revealed that he is still exploring his political options, consulting with various leaders and parties before committing to a specific path. 

“If I chose a party now, I’d disadvantage others I’m still in talks with,” he explained, hinting at a broad coalition-building effort underway behind the scenes. 

When asked whether he would publicly declare his wealth, a common question in Kenya’s highly scrutinized political scene, Matiang’i was dismissive. 

“I don’t know how much I’m worth. And even if I did, I’m not a public official, and you’re not a commission before which I must declare,” he said sharply. 

However, he was quick to defend his integrity: 

“Since I was born, I’ve never been above the law. Even as a minister, I followed the law.” 

Matiang’i’s remarks come at a politically sensitive time, especially as whispers grow louder about a crowded 2027 presidential field. His perceived closeness to both Uhuru Kenyatta and current Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has placed him at the center of a complex web of political alliances. 

With his declaration of a people-powered campaign and his rejection of money-driven politics, Matiang’i seems to be carving out a unique path, one that could resonate with a growing number of Kenyans fed up with corruption and elite dominance.