Matiang’i: Kenya can work again if wananchi come first
By Sharon Atieno, June 5, 2026Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has said Kenya can regain its footing if leadership prioritises citizens and focuses on fixing challenges affecting ordinary people rather than political interests.
Speaking in a statement shared on his X account on Friday, June 5, 2026, Matiang’i argued that the country’s problems are not beyond repair, insisting that effective leadership must be grounded in competence, courage, and commitment to wananchi.
“Our country can work again. What Kenya needs today is leadership with the courage, competence, and commitment to fix what is broken and put the interests of wananchi first,” Matiang’i stated.
He further suggested that the country’s future should be shaped by practical solutions and accountable governance capable of restoring public confidence.
“Kenya can work again if leadership is focused on citizens and on delivering real change that people can see and feel in their daily lives,” he added.
Shift from politics to solutions
Matiang’i’s latest remarks come days after he cautioned opposition leaders against making President William Ruto’s removal the central objective ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Jubilee deputy party leader warned that political competition should not revolve solely around replacing individuals without addressing the deeper governance concerns affecting the country.
“No, no, that’s not one. That’s not even our main goal,” Matiang’i said while responding to questions on the opposition strategy.
According to him, opposition leaders risk repeating the same mistakes they accuse the current administration of if they fail to offer a clear governance agenda.
“The goal is to bring about real change that people can actually feel,” he said.
His position differs from some opposition leaders who have argued that removing President Ruto should be the primary objective before broader reforms are pursued.
Matiang’i, however, maintains that Kenyans are looking beyond political battles and are instead seeking leadership capable of addressing the high cost of living, unemployment, and governance concerns affecting households across the country.
His latest statement reinforces his growing argument that the country’s future will depend less on political contests and more on the ability of leaders to place wananchi at the centre of decision-making.