Matiang’i Speaks on His Net Worth, How He Plans to Fund His Campaigns

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has broken his silence on questions surrounding his personal wealth and how he intends to finance his political campaigns. 

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, July 1, Matiang’i dismissed calls to disclose his net worth, asserting that he is no longer a public servant and is therefore not obligated to make such declarations.

"I don't know how much I am worth, and even if I did, that is not for public consumption because I am not a public official and you are not a commission to which I am supposed to declare my wealth. 

"Since I was born, I have never been above the law, even when I was a minister, I was not above the law,” he said.

On the matter of campaign financing, Matiang’i stated that he would rely on the support of well-wishers and individuals who believe in his leadership.

The former CS made it clear that he won't be using his personal resources or resort to voter bribery during the campaign period.

"I don’t think that is for public discussion. The truth of the matter is that when you go into a campaign, you seek donors and people to support your campaign. 

"I will seek support from well-wishers and those who believe in my leadership. I have no money to bribe people and go pay voters,” he added.

During the same interview, Matiang’i dismissed allegations of being retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s project, questioning the meaning of being someone’s project.

Matiang’i acknowledged serving in Uhuru’s government for 10 years across three significant portfolios.

However, he noted that Uhuru appointed over 30 individuals to the Cabinet, some of whom are still serving in the current administration. 

“There are things that people tell you that, when you sit back and analyze them, they won’t make sense even to a fool. What does that mean to be someone’s project? It is an indelible historical fact that Uhuru appointed me to his Cabinet and I served in his Cabinet for 10 years in three significant portfolios.

“Cumulatively, for the 10 years Uhuru was President, he appointed close to 30 or so people to his Cabinet. Some of them are still serving in the Cabinet to this day. Others have risen to other responsibilities. Am I a project by deed of the fact that I served in Uhuru’s Cabinet? And if it is a question of service, why not ask me if I am a project of the World Bank because I have just come from the World Bank?” he posed.