Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has declared his intention to seek the presidency, framing his bid around restoring discipline, accountability, and efficiency in government operations.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday night, Matiang’i said his entry into the race is motivated by what he described as persistent governance failures and weak management systems in the country.
“I am conscientiously seeking the opportunity to lead this country seriously. I promise Kenyans I will not make excuses, I will not wake up in the morning and make excuses for not doing what I was supposed to do,” he said.
He argued that Kenya’s challenges are less about policy ideas and more about execution and leadership discipline, insisting that the country requires a leader focused on delivery.
“Kenya’s problem is governance. The problem of this country is management. I propose, and this is my view, that this country needs a fixer. I am Mr. Fix It, look no further,” Matiang’i said.
Matiang’i said his presidential ambition is anchored on the need to rebuild public trust in government institutions and restore what he termed dignity in leadership and service delivery.
“Fred Matiang’i wants to be president because I want to fix that nonsense. I want to provide this country with a government they can respect again. Kenya deserves better,” he said.
He added that his focus, if elected, would be to rebuild credibility in government and ensure that state systems function effectively for citizens.
“Why do I want to be president? To fix this mess, to give Kenya a government that is commensurate with the respect, dignity, and aspirations of Kenyans, restore the credibility of government again,” he said.
The former CS also pointed to the economic pressures facing ordinary Kenyans, citing taxation, unemployment, and low wages as key issues that require urgent attention.
He said these challenges highlight the need for urgent reforms in governance and leadership
“We can’t go on this way; we need to fix this country. There is nothing you cannot do in Kenya. If you are serious, honest, and trustworthy, the people of Kenya will enable you to do much,” he said.
Matiang’i linked his decision to seek the presidency to what he described as the struggles of Kenyan workers, saying many are overtaxed and underpaid, conditions he believes must change under better leadership.
“When I look at how the Kenyan worker is suffering, overtaxed, underpaid, I hear the voice of Prophet Isaiah, where the Lord is asking, who will go with us?” he said.
He added that his decision to step forward is guided by a sense of duty rather than personal ambition.
“With humility, armed only with the faith in my country and commitment to do good, I am only stepping forward to tell the people of Kenya, here am I, send me. I am Mr Fix It, send me,” he said.