Matiang’i Says He Was Considered to Succeed Uhuru Kenyatta but Declined

Presidential aspirant Dr Fred Matiang’i has warned that Kenya risks undermining its democratic order if electoral laws and constitutional standards are ignored ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in a televised interview, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary criticised President William Ruto’s administration and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), insisting that compliance with the Constitution is mandatory. He said any effort to conduct elections outside the law would face strong political resistance, stressing that adherence to legal frameworks is not open to negotiation.

Dr Matiang’i based his concerns on recent by-elections, which he described as a negative signal for the country’s democratic direction. He cited the Mbeere North and Malava contests, alleging they were affected by violence, voter intimidation and the misuse of state resources. He accused security agencies of failing to intervene as gangs disrupted voting, and said the IEBC’s handling of the polls reflected poor institutional performance.

He acknowledged that some accountability measures had been taken in certain cases, including fines imposed on candidates during the Kasipul by-election. However, he argued that such actions were rare and did not reflect consistent enforcement of the law. He also questioned claims by police that they were unaware of armed individuals operating openly during the campaigns.

Dr Matiang’i confirmed that he will run for president in 2027, saying his decision was driven by public demand. He noted that discussions had taken place in 2022 about his possible endorsement by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, but he chose not to pursue the presidency at that time, with the Jubilee Party later supporting Raila Odinga.

He now maintains that there is broad public agreement on the need for political change and presented himself as a candidate able to meet those expectations. He also addressed concerns about divisions within the opposition, describing coalition-building as a gradual process that requires dialogue, compromise and time.

Beyond electoral issues, Dr Matiang’i criticised the government’s approach to corruption, accusing it of protecting political allies facing graft allegations. He said Kenya already has sufficient laws and institutions to address corruption, but lacks the political commitment to enforce them effectively.

He further argued that political interference has weakened professional institutions, diverting attention from accountability and governance. According to him, public messaging has taken precedence over meaningful reform.