Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has declared that he and his political allies are ready to take responsibility for national leadership, promising to form a government that restores respect, discipline, and trust in public service.

Matiang’i was speaking during Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Kibabii Catholic Church in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County, on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

“Mkumbuke nilikuwa waziri wa elimu na nikakuwa waziri wa usalama… Wananchi sisi tuko tayari. Tumekuja hapa Western kuwambia tuko tayari kufanya hii kazi… Tutaunda serikali ambayo ina heshimu wananchi na inaheshimiwa,” he said.

Matiang’i made the remarks while addressing worshippers at the Catholic service, where he combined reflections on education, governance, and national security with a strong political message directed at residents of Western Kenya.

He said his long experience in the education sector shaped his belief that children must remain at the centre of national policy.

“My heart is very deeply in education. When I see students like this, this is what gives me the greatest pleasure of my life,” he said.

School funding and safety

The former Cabinet Secretary added that parents, teachers, and the state share responsibility in raising disciplined children. He said government must ensure schools receive timely funding to support learning and daily operations.

He raised concern that capitation funds had not been reaching schools effectively, a situation he said was putting pressure on school management.

“School principals are having challenges… they can’t feed them on nothing because hakuna budget, hakuna pesa inaenda kwa shule,” he said.

Matiang’i further claimed misuse of public resources, saying funds meant for services were being diverted.

“Pesa inatumika kuhonga watu, kuhonga wakora, kupiga watu,” he said, calling for accountability in public spending.

He also referenced recent incidents involving insecurity affecting school transport, warning that violence targeting learners showed a deeper national problem. His remarks came amid recent reports of school buses being attacked in parts of Western Kenya, raising concern among parents and education stakeholders about student safety.

“How stupid can we be? Unapiga school bus ambazo zinabeba watoto wetu ndani na mawe,” he said, questioning attacks on school transport and urging citizens to protect children regardless of political differences.

Matiang’i also criticised what he described as rising intimidation in public spaces, including religious institutions. He said security operations should not extend to churches or disrupt worship.

“Ukifika mahali askari wanafukuza watu mpaka kwa kanisa… hii mambo ya kubeba tear gas kwa kanisa, kuleta askari na rungu kwa kanisa,” he said, urging restraint among security officers and respect for places of worship.

He called on security leaders to reflect on their actions and warned that abuse of authority would erode public trust.

“Mnajiletea laana kufanya maneno haya… mjifikirie na mufikirie familia zenu,” he added.

Call for humble leadership

Despite his criticism, Matiang’i insisted that he was not promoting division but calling for reform. He said his team was entering politics with humility and asking Kenyans to give them a chance to lead.

“Tunagonga mlango wako… mimi nimekuja tu kuomba kwa unyenyekevu. Mtufungulie mlango, mtupe nafasi hiyo ili turekebishe nchi yetu,” he said.

He promised that if given the mandate, they would form a government that is respected and one that respects citizens.

“Tutaunda serikali ambayo ina heshimu wananchi na inaheshimiwa, siyo serikali ya kudanganya wananchi,” he said.

Matiang’i also criticised what he termed unclear government communication and unfulfilled promises, saying leadership must be transparent and accountable. He said development projects should be visible and understandable to ordinary citizens.