Following months of speculation, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has dismissed claims that his reported presidential ambitions are being bankrolled by powerful individuals behind the scenes.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Matiang’i said discussions around who is funding his political future were unnecessary and speculative.
“I don’t think that is for public discussion. The truth of the matter is that when you go into a campaign, you seek donors and people to support you for your campaign,” he said.
Matiang’i added that he would welcome support from well-wishers who believe in his leadership, insisting he had no intention of using money to buy votes or bribe the electorate.
The remarks come amid persistent rumours linking Matiang’i’s early political activities to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who appointed him to several powerful Cabinet roles during his administration.
However, Matiang’i did not confirm or deny whether he was politically aligned with the former President. Instead, he maintained that he was still exploring his political options.
“I am in consultations with a number of political parties and a number of political leaders across the board. I honestly think that if I made a choice now and stuck to one political party, I would disadvantage the others with whom we are having a discussion,” he explained.
He noted that while he was seen as a close ally of President Uhuru during his time in office, that relationship did not mean he was his political puppet. Matiang’i added that Uhuru had worked with many other leaders, including those now in the current administration.
His perceived connection to the former President has raised concerns within the political circles, with observers suggesting it could complicate the ambitions of other aspirants, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been seen courting Matiang’i.
Asked about his wealth and whether he was prepared to declare it publicly, Matiang’i dismissed the matter as irrelevant.
“No, I don't know how much I am worth, and even if I did, that is not for public consumption because I am not a public official and you are not a commission to which I am supposed to declare my wealth,” he said.
He added, “Since I was born, I have never been above the law, even when I was a minister, I was not above the law.”
