By KPC Reporter
Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i is positioning himself as a corrective force ahead of the 2027 race, declaring that only firm, experienced leadership can “rescue the country.”
Speaking during a live interview on Egesa FM, Dr Matiang’i painted a grim picture of public services: collapsed social health programmes, stalled schools, a demoralised civil service, revived cattle rustling, and tax measures he says have pushed citizens to the edge.
“SHA (Social Health Authority) is dead. Linda Mama is dead. Workers are crushed. It’s tragic,” he said.
At the centre of his criticism is the shift from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA, which he calls rushed and chaotic.
He also faulted the new university financing model and cuts to the education budget, insisting that the systems he helped build under Jubilee were carefully structured and beneficial to Kenyans.
“Then everything was overturned without readiness,” he said, arguing that the Competency-Based Education (CBE) can work only if coordination and digital content development are restored.
Dr Matiang’i’s frustration extends to security operations, instating that Kenya’s structures remain robust but are crippled by lethargic leadership.
He cited the withdrawal of incentives for chiefs, the return of crime in Borabu, and what he described as weak responses to drug trafficking and other threats.
“Our security framework is more elaborate than anywhere else. What’s missing is decisive action,” he said, pointing to operations like the crackdown in Mt. Elgon as examples of how swift coordination can deliver results.
The former CS also revisited the contentious housing levy, calling it an example of tone-deaf policymaking.
He argued that taxation without clear benefit only breeds resentment.
“Leadership must listen. We understood this during Jubilee, which is why we sought alternatives,” he said.
Dr Matiang’i defended his tenure in education, citing expanded infrastructure and partnerships such as the Kuwait Fund-supported projects in Nyamira, which happened way back after the 2007/08 post-election violence.
Due to various undisclosed challenges, the Kuwait funds took longer than expected to reach intended schools and some leaders are currently claiming credit for the resources.
“Is there a time when schools grew faster than when I was in charge?” he asked during the show, hosted by Lawrence Nyakundi.
On politics, he dismissed the proliferation of 89 registered parties as evidence of a weak political culture.
He accused President William Ruto’s administration of trying to splinter the Abagusii community and said he hopes to emulate the late Simeon Nyachae’s unifying approach.
The former CS and now Jubilee’s Deputy Party Leader added that he actively reins in his own supporters when they cross the line, pointing to a recent incident involving comments about Nyamira County MP Jerusha Momanyi.
Turning to immediate political contests, Dr. Matiang’i projected confidence in upcoming by-elections in Ekerenyo, Nyamusi
and Nyansiongo Wards, claiming the opposition is united and poised for victory.
“People know our record,” he said, dismissing UDA’s prospects despite alleged dishing of millions to sway the vote in favour of the ruling paerty.
Despite heightened speculation that he is eyeing the State House, he said his motivation is service, not personal entitlement while still affirming that he is the best-equipped candidate to fix the country.
“God gives power. I have no more right than anyone else,” he said. “But I know government systems like the back of my hand. And I am ready to clean up the mess.”