Editor’s note: Job Mogaka shares his ideas about the entry of Fred Matiangi into the 2027 presidential race.
As 2027 nears, progressive Kenyans are looking at someone who can take on President William Ruto and possibly bring the much-needed reforms in government institutions.
Fred Matiangi is among those who is being fronted to go for the top seat on the strength that he will bring the much-needed reforms.
It is an open secret that Matiang’i is decisive and tough as they come.
The daring reforms in the education ministry during Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime were due to the latter’s efforts alongside Prof. George Magoha.
It is interesting to note both Matiang’i and Magoha were colleagues at the UoN.
In a move that appeared to rise above expectations, the duo was able to bring sanity to the well-funded education ministry.
Noteworthy, prior to the Matiang’i and Magoha duo, Cabinet Secretaries avoided upsetting the cartels and so the cartels in the ministry.
However, the duo made sweeping changes, chief among them fixing exam leaks and the tendering process in the ministry.
Fighting cartels is no easy job given the cartels always seek to fight back with the ferocity of a wounded lion.
And as expected, the two would, on several occasions, collide with the ministry officials resisting the positive changes.
It is worth noting, then, President Uhuru tasked the two after it became apparent the education ministry was rotting in corruption and incompetence.
President Uhuru later promoted Magoha to the CS position after Matiang’i was moved to the Ministry of Interior.
Matiang’i’s stint at the Interior Ministry was riddled with controversy touching on KSh 1.5 billion land.
It was also during Matiang’i’s tenure at the Ministry of Interior that the issue of bodies being found at River Yala resurfaced.
Matiang’i has so far denounced the allegations that he was in any way involved in the murder and dumping of the bodies said to be of opposition members.
All said and done, anyone who has watched typical Kenyan public servants would tell you Matiang’i’s performance as a CS was above par.
As a country, we have developed a culture where nothing gets done, where senior public servants exist to cut billion-dollar bills.
With that background, I think Matiang’i and the late Prof. George Magoha are arguably among the best-performing ministers since independence in Kenya.
However, there’s something about Matiang’i which makes a keen eye doubt his credentials as an incorruptible change agent.
Matiang’i is a great friend of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure was marked with many multi-billion-shilling scandals. In fact, it is Uhuru Kenyatta who started Kenya on the path to decline after an illustrious 10-year reign of Mwai Kibaki.
There’s no free lunch, and the truth is Uhuru and co. are supporting Matiang’i with the hope the latter will shield them from prosecution for economic and other crimes committed against the people of Kenya.
What’s more, it is unlikely Matiang’i would even dare to prosecute the corrupt cartel in the Kenya Kwanza regime.
In short, it’s unlikely a Fred Matiangi presidency will birth an egalitarian Kenya where everyone is equal before the law.
And it is not that Matiang’i is incapable, but the truth is he carries too much garbage to guide Kenya for a take-off.
READ ALSO: Why It’s Next to Impossible for Ruto or Anyone to Rig the 2027 Elections
Putting all these factors together, it is maybe safer for Kenyans to shun Matiang’i for a better candidate who will bring the much-needed change.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the position of GOTTA.news. We welcome writers to give their views on various social and political issues. Send your opinion to info@gotta.news.
