Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has fired a stinging political salvo at President William Ruto, declaring that he would rather remain financially modest than loot public resources to bankroll his presidential ambitions.
In a blistering response to Ruto's recent criticism of the opposition's financial muscle, Matiang’i suggested that his lack of enormous personal wealth was evidence of his refusal to exploit public office for personal enrichment.
The Jubilee presidential hopeful challenged the President to explain the relationship between political wealth, public accountability and the integrity expected of those entrusted with national leadership.
“Yes, you are saying I don't have money, and that is true. But it is also because my conscience has not directed me in the direction of plundering public resources with abandon the way you have done,” Matiang’i said.
His remarks opened a fresh front in the escalating political confrontation between the former Interior CS and the President, with the battle increasingly shifting from electoral numbers and political influence to questions of integrity and the management of public resources.
Ruto had used his recent four-day tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties to cast doubt on the opposition's ability to challenge his administration, questioning its financial capacity, political organisation and preparedness to govern.
But Matiang’i turned the President's remarks against him, arguing that the country's leadership debate should focus on character and accountability rather than the financial muscle of presidential contenders.
The former CS spoke on Saturday during a Sabbath service at Magena Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bomachoge Borabu Constituency, Kisii County, where he also sounded the alarm over what he described as the growing return of political goonism in the region.
He accused sections of the political class of tolerating violence and intimidation, warning that the use of hired gangs to disrupt political gatherings could plunge the country into a dangerous electoral environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We have seen leaders, and never in my recent memory did we witness leaders such as those we are seeing now causing bloodshed in the name of politics. We should never slide this far down as a society,” he said.
His warning comes amid heightened political activity in Kisii, where rival political camps have increasingly engaged in bitter exchanges over leadership and succession politics.
The church gathering also became a platform for Matiang’i's allies to intensify their campaign for his presidential bid, with Jubilee national chairman Vincent Kemosi challenging the Gusii community to secure parliamentary support for their preferred candidate.
Kemosi argued that winning State House without a sufficient number of supportive MPs could leave a president struggling to implement his agenda.
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo described Matiang’i as a peaceful leader whose calm personality should not be mistaken for political weakness.
He also took aim at Kisii Governor Simba Arati, suggesting that the governor needed further guidance in handling political matters.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi mounted a broader attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing ordinary Kenyans and insisting that the country needed a leadership change.
“Because they have failed to run this country, we have surrendered our son who has a track record to manage this country. You all know he is one who is always focused and he deserves it,” Kibagendi said.
He condemned the alleged rise of goonism in Kisii and rallied support for Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo's re-election.
Nyamira Senator Okong'o Mogeni threw his weight behind Matiang’i, arguing that his experience in government made him a credible contender for the presidency.
Mogeni challenged voters to scrutinise the records of presidential candidates instead of being swayed by political rhetoric.
Former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, who is eyeing the Kisii governorship, was also among those who attended the service.
