Matiang’i: Election season is a circus of lies and fake piety
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 14, 2025Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has criticised what he called the “circus of lies” that marks Kenya’s election seasons, accusing some politicians of using religion to fool voters instead of presenting credible policies and leadership.
Speaking during a live interview on Kameme TV on Monday, July 14, 2025, Matiang’i said many leaders suddenly become overly religious during campaigns, carrying large Bibles, attending church regularly, and singing Christian hymns to gain public sympathy.
“Wakati wa uchaguzi, hayo ni maneno tulikuwa tunaona wakati ule wa 2022. Ni hiyo mzunguko wa uongo. Sarakasi tu,” he said.
Translation: “During elections, we hear the same things we saw in 2022. It’s a cycle of lies, just a circus.”
He mockingly described how some politicians walk into churches with Bibles so big “they could knock you over,” acting like devout Christians to earn the public’s trust.
“Watu wanabeba Biblia kubwa inaweza kukuangusha chini… Wakiitwa wanaanza kuimba, ‘Gai wakwa, Gai wakwa eh,’” Matiang’i added, referring to leaders pretending to be spiritually grounded.
Translation: “They carry huge Bibles… When called upon, they start singing ‘My God, my God,’ to impress people.”
He warned Kenyans against being easily swayed by religious theatrics, urging them instead to question the integrity and honesty of those seeking office.
“Watu hawaulizi, huyu muungwana haya mambo tunaambiwa hii, ni ukweli?” he challenged.
Translation: “People don’t ask themselves, this gentleman saying all these things, is he telling the truth?”
Claims of insiders behind chaos
Beyond criticising election conduct, Matiang’i also made serious claims about the current wave of protests and unrest sweeping the country. He claimed that some elements within the government were behind the recent violence.
“Some of the goons were probably planned by leaders from the government,” he stated, emphasising that his views are informed by his experience as Interior Minister.
He questioned how the state, known for its intelligence capacity, could claim ignorance about the people allegedly behind the chaos.
“Which government can say it doesn’t know what is happening?” he posed. “For a long time in Kenya, we’ve been saying the government has a long arm. Where has it gone now?”