Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has accused President William Ruto’s administration of misusing public funds, saying excessive spending at State House has come at the expense of essential services such as education.

Matiang’i spoke on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during a church service at ACK Gitugi in Murang’a County, where several opposition leaders gathered under the banner of the United Opposition. The event, initially presented as a church service, quickly turned into a political rally focused on governance, corruption, and the 2027 General Election.

Addressing the congregation, Matiang’i questioned the allocation of Ksh7 billion to State House, saying the expenditure could not be justified while schools struggle to operate.

“Hii pesa inalipwa huku watu wanalipwa kila siku,” Matiang’i said. “What do you do with 7 billion in State House in one quarter? State House sio shule. Sio hospital. What do you need that kind of money for?”

He accused the government of prioritising luxury over public welfare, arguing that the spending reflects deeper corruption within the administration.

“Ni kuiba tu unaendelea hivi, inchi inaporwa,” he said. “That is why our children do not have capitation in schools. Hii pesa imeenda huko.”

Matiang’i claimed the funding gap has hit schools hard.

Opposition leaders rally together

The Murang’a gathering brought together senior opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, Justin Muturi, and many others. Police deployed heavy security around the church, reflecting growing political tension.

Gachagua used the platform to urge Mt Kenya residents to register as voters and turn out in large numbers in 2027. He said the region holds decisive power if it votes as a bloc.

“He knows very well that if the mountain votes as a bloc, he stands no chance,” Gachagua said, referring to President Ruto.

He promised the region’s support to whichever opposition candidate emerges.

Kalonzo Musyoka also criticised Ruto’s confidence about re-election, questioning his claim that he could win with a narrow margin.

“Why insult other leaders and say you will win with three million? Where will he get the votes?” Kalonzo asked.

He accused the president of using intimidation to weaken the opposition.

The Murang’a church gathering also featured sharp criticism from former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who questioned President William Ruto’s links to foreign individuals associated with disputed elections across Africa.

Separately, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa warned that the opposition would not accept a repeat of the 2022 election, citing the failure of Smartmatic-linked technology in Uganda and urging the IEBC to address concerns ahead of 2027.