Nairobi, Kenya- Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has broken his silence on how he is financing his presidential campaign, insisting that his bid is powered by friends, well-wishers, and ordinary supporters, not illicit wealth.
In an interview with TV47, Matiang’i denied allegations that his campaign is bankrolled by smuggled gold or looted public funds.
“I don’t have big money. I have not smuggled gold from anywhere, and I have not looted anything. I am just Fred working with people, and I’m happy,” he said.
The former CS explained that his campaign runs on contributions from personal networks, including friends, former classmates, and Kenyans in the diaspora.
“I meet friends who say, ‘Waziri, I will fuel your car or give you Sh100,000 to do it.’ I move around with friends and former classmates, we put money together. If President Uhuru Kenyatta gives me a contribution, he will be one among hundreds who have done that,” Matiang’i stated.
He acknowledged lacking the financial muscle of other presidential contenders but argued that his candidacy draws strength from integrity and public trust. “It’s true, people say I don’t have money. I raise money from the people. I was in the US the other day raising money from Kenyans abroad,” he added.
Matiang’i also dismissed claims that his campaign is sponsored by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, branding such narratives as baseless.
“I am not Uhuru’s project. Why would I even be rattled by that? It’s something that cannot annoy me or even a cockroach,” he said.
While affirming his friendship with the former head of state, Matiang’i maintained that professional ties do not equate to political puppetry. “I served under President Uhuru Kenyatta as Cabinet minister for 10 years. He trusted me to chair the Cabinet Coordination Committee. He is my friend, yes, but how would that make me a project?” he posed.
He further pointed to his career beyond government service as proof of independence. “I have just come from the World Bank. Am I the World Bank’s project? People need to respect common sense. We waste time on pettiness,” Matiang’i remarked.
Positioning himself as a people-driven candidate, the former CS emphasized that his bid is about integrity, accountability, and trust, not deep pockets.
