By Robert Nyasato
Jubilee presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i stepped up his campaign Sunday, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of misgovernance, human rights abuses, and damaging Kenya’s global standing.
Buoyed by the huge reception he received during a three-day meet-the-people tour of Gusii region, Dr Matiang’i told congregants in Nyandarua that Kenyans were demanding accountable leadership.
He addressed a church service in Shamata, where he said Kenyans were yearning for decisive and accountable leadership to rescue the country from what he described as “bad governance.”
Dr Matiang’i claimed that under President William Ruto, Kenya’s global reputation had been “severely punctured,” with negative implications for trade, diplomacy, and investor confidence.
He cited the tea trade, saying Kenya’s access to some international markets had been compromised due to diplomatic missteps.
“When leadership entertains questionable elements and ignores diplomatic norms, ordinary farmers and workers pay the price,” Dr Matiang’i said.
The former Interior Cabinet secretary also raised concerns over national security and immigration controls, alleging that “known international criminals are freely gaining access into the country,” a situation he said had unsettled development partners and donors.
Dr Matiang’i further accused the broad-based government of violating human rights, pointing to reported cases of abductions and alleged extrajudicial killings of young people critical of the state.
“This is the reason behind our desire to vie for leadership — to rescue Kenyans, but by doing things the right way,” he told the congregants.
In a sharp attack on transparency within government, Dr Matiang’i questioned the handling of recent national tragedies, including the death of Johana Ngeno and the aircraft accident involving the late General Francis Ogolla.
He said Kenyans deserved full disclosure.
“Leadership demands transparency, accountability, and respect for the intelligence of citizens. Kenyans deserve the truth — not silence, not secrecy, not half statements,” he said.
Describing the current administration as “lazy and reckless,” Dr Matiang’i accused it of prioritising impunity over service delivery, claiming foreigners with questionable backgrounds were being issued passports and national identity documents while ordinary Kenyans struggled to access basic services.
Dr Matiang’i was accompanied by several senior opposition figures, including Rigathi Gachagua of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, and Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party.
Dr Matiang’i told opposition supporters that “change is not a request — it is inevitable,” as the 2027 succession debate continues to gather momentum.
