Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has made it clear that, if elected president, he will not embrace performative displays of piety.

Speaking in Maryland, Baltimore, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Matiang’i emphasised that his leadership will be guided by honesty and realism rather than public gestures meant to portray moral superiority.

“When I become president, I won’t walk around carrying a Bible to appear holier than thou. I’m not here to perform righteousness—I’m here to lead with honesty. I’m a realistic sinner. When I fall short, I don’t stage it for the cameras. I go into my innermost room, kneel down, and ask God for forgiveness—quietly, humbly, and sincerely.” Matiang’i said.

He dismissed the idea of using religion as a political tool, suggesting that true faith is personal and not something to be staged for approval or applause. Matiang’i explained that he acknowledges his imperfections and chooses to seek spiritual guidance privately rather than showcasing it for public consumption.

Positioning himself as a leader who values authenticity over appearances, he expressed a commitment to humble leadership that prioritises the needs of the people over showmanship.

“Leadership is not about looking perfect. It’s about being real. And I would rather be a flawed man who seeks grace in private than a hypocrite who pretends to be holy in public.” He added.

His earlier stance on the same

This comes days after former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i sharply criticised President William Ruto on Kameme TV in July 2025, accusing him of faking Christianity for political gain.

During the interview, Matiang’i slammed Ruto for using religious displays—such as carrying large Bibles and singing Christian hymns during election campaigns—to portray himself as a devout leader while failing to deliver on governance. He described these tactics as a “circus of lies”, urging Kenyans to focus on leaders’ actions rather than their public religiosity.

Matiang’i’s remarks, part of his 2027 presidential campaign strategy, also targeted Ruto’s handling of the 2024 Gen Z protests, framing him as a leader more concerned with optics than integrity.