Fred Matiang’i Defends Jubilee Loyalty, Says “Uhuru Didn’t Tell Me to Run”
Presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i has defended his association with Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party, saying his unwavering loyalty is a sign of commitment and reliability in a political landscape marred by opportunism and constant party-hopping.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Matiang’i asserted he still takes pride serving under the Jubilee government, which he referred to as one of the most successful governments in Kenya’s recent past.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary shrugged off calls for him to form his own political party, saying Kenyans should look up to politicians who hold firm to their principles rather than shift allegiances for convenience.
“On Jubilee, I should be credited for consistency. I served and believed in its system then as I do now. I am not suddenly saying things that I would not have been proud to say then or do,” Matiang’i stated.
“How is it that I am not being credited for consistency in an environment where people have jumped parties even seven times?”
Matiang’i also shrugged off claims that his presidential bid is being driven by outside forces, particularly former President Uhuru Kenyatta, insisting that his decision to run for office was entirely personal.
“Uhuru was a successful president, and everyone will want to be associated with him. But I am not running for president because he told me to run. I took a personal decision to run,” he clarified.
He further dismissed suggestions that his post-government career was a result of political connections, noting that he earned his current banking job competitively.
“After leaving government, I took work at the bank after being hired on a competitive basis. Uhuru did not take me there. How is it that I am a bank’s project?” he asked.
Turning his attention to the Kenya Kwanza administration, Matiang’i criticized President William Ruto’s leadership for ignoring public feedback and failing to prioritize citizens’ needs.
“My simple and free advice is that they can spend less money by listening to wananchi. Just show your work, and you will not need to justify your actions,” he advised.
