Matiang’i: I’m not harsh, just strict

Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has provided a perspective of his style of leadership, stressing that he is a results-oriented leader.
Speaking during a live interview, the former Interior CS opined that his insistence on performance and results has always been misconstrued as being harsh or rude.
“I acknowledge that when you are in public life, then citizens see and know you and are well placed to make judgments on someone. So I will not fault the people saying I am a harsh leader,” he opined.
Perceived as harsh
He says that, unlike many leaders who abound in empty talk, commitment to the course is his modus operandi.
“But in Kenya, for a long time, we have become used to leaders who talk a lot. Those leaders who stress delivery and getting work done are perceived as harsh. For me, I am that person. If we are working on something, then we have to do it, and the result of the work is seen,” he stated.
Sometimes leadership is all about getting results. You can stand and say, While was there, I did this.
So I am a person who focuses on the job. If it is about being harsh, it is because I always insist on results. If it is about being proud, I don’t know about that. I only know I am not easily distracted,” he added.
Joining politics
The former Interior CS also spoke out on his decision to seek political office, repudiating assertions that the field is a muddled one.
He opined that the common adage that politics is a dirty field is meant to deter people with good intentions of effecting change.
“I don’t know if it’s dirty politics or the people who are there that are dirty. The world is full of decent people who have been in politics and made their mark and gone their way, so I don’t know if it’s the politics itself or the people there that are dirty. I sometimes feel the notion is used to deter people who could have the influence and capacity to help people,” he stated.
Decent examples
“We had Kibaki, who was a respected economist who did his work and left. You never hear him hurling insults at anyone. You also have President Kenyatta do his work and leave. I believe our country is looking for leadership and service delivery to citizens. That service can be delivered without much sideshow and drama.
“What we are seeking is a chance to serve our people and not the drama and sideshows of politics,” he added.