Matiangi: If elected president, I’d do exactly what I did as CS
By William Muthama, October 29, 2025Former Interior and Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has declared that if given the chance to serve as Kenya’s president, he would replicate the same principles and discipline he implemented while serving in government.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Matiangi emphasised that leadership should focus on fairness, accountability, and creating equal opportunities for all citizens.
“We elect leaders to represent us, to speak for us, and to act in trust on our behalf. Leaders must provide a fair and objective environment where the country and its people can thrive,” he said, reflecting on his time at Jogoo House while heading the Ministry of Education.
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“During my tenure, our goal was to ensure that everyone could compete on merit and achieve results that genuinely reflected their abilities.”
Matiang’i cited a striking example from his experience in education administration. He recounted a year when the entire first-year engineering class at a state university failed due to widespread examination cheating.
“The professors refused to promote the students to the next year because their grades did not reflect their true capabilities. Families and communities had celebrated these high marks, but the reality was that the students were unprepared. That was a necessary step to restore integrity and discipline in the system,” he explained.
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The former CS stressed that the same philosophy would guide his leadership if elected president. “Discipline is destiny. We cannot progress as a nation if people do not adhere to rules and do what is expected. I would bring the same level of accountability, fairness, and discipline to government that I applied during my tenure in public service,” Matiangi said.
He further urged Kenyans to uphold a culture of responsibility, transparency, and meritocracy. “Leadership is not just about authority; it is about service. Citizens must also embrace hard work and honesty, while leaders must serve with integrity and accountability,” he added.