Matiang’i warns: I protected exam and it wasn’t stolen, you won’t steal our votes
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 22, 2026Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has delivered a sharp message to President William Ruto during a church service at PCEA Utawala in Embakasi on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
He accused the government of misreading the national mood and warned against any attempt to rig the 2027 elections.
Matiang’i spoke at the service alongside colleagues from the United Alternative Government, formerly known as the United Opposition. He attended the event with prominent figures including Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka.
In his speech, Matiang’i criticised recent incidents, including thugs positioned at Kisumu International Airport to target members of parliament. He questioned what remains of the country after more than 60 years of independence.
“You position thugs, na police wanajua because if I was in Interior now, the regional police commander in Kisumu cannot tell me that hakujua ni akina nani walikua huko,” he said.
He expressed repeated concern over the state of the security sector. He described officers determined to face tear gas and bullets to make a point.
Matiang’i calls for action
Matiang’i urged the president to take action. “Do the right thing. It is very easy to do the right thing. “Go, work, sit down, listen to people,” he advised. He highlighted church organisations and other community groups as key resources for dialogue.
He also made a strong pledge on electoral integrity.
“Finally, I protected the exam and it wasn’t stolen, you won’t steal our votes,” Matiang’i said, referring to his time as Education Cabinet Secretary, when he cracked down on exam leaks and cheating to ensure fair national examinations.
In a post on X, Matiang’i also directly addressed President Ruto:
“For the first time, let me say this openly, Your Excellency, Mr. President, you have once again misread the mood of the country,” he said. Drawing on his five years as Interior Cabinet Secretary, he said he understood security intelligence and assessments.
“I do not know whether you have been misadvised or you have misread, but you have misread the mood of the country. Sentiment analysis, data from the ground, and everything else – it is either they do not know, or they do not care,” he explained.
The former Interior CS has increased public appearances since Jubilee endorsed him as its 2027 presidential flag bearer. He has openly criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over failures in security, health, and education.
Matiang’i promised that if the United Alternative Government wins in 2027, it will offer credible governance, prioritise key sectors, and involve young people, especially Gen Z, in national decision-making.