Ruto Changes His Tune on Matiang’i, Praises Him for Good Job Under Uhuru Kenyatta

President William Ruto has said he is the one who gave Fred Matiang’i a job in government, claiming he sat down with former President Uhuru Kenyatta before Matiang’i was brought on board, and that Matiang’i went on to do a good job.

Speaking in South Mugirango, Kisii County, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during his Gusiiland development tour, Ruto said that were it not for him, Matiang’i would not have been appointed a Cabinet Secretary.

He said Matiang’i had been working at the World Bank after he left government in 2022, and that some people lied to him to leave the job.

Matiang’i served as Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Education and Interior under Uhuru Kenyatta, when Ruto was Deputy President. Ruto said Matiang’i performed well in those positions.

The praise marks a change of tone. The President has previously accused Matiang’i of being linked to the Ruaraka land saga and the River Yala massacre, which makes his remarks in Kisii a new tune.

Ruto added that the people around Matiang’i have deceived him into believing he will become president, taking him around the country until his shoes have worn out. Matiang’i has been touted as a possible presidential contender in 2027 under Jubilee Party.

The President also took aim at his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of wanting Matiang’i to go to Wamunyoro and worship him.

Ruto said this is the reason Gachagua has been bitter with Matiang’i, who has been resisting the visit to Wamunyoro, Gachagua’s home in Nyeri.

The remarks come as Kisii, Matiang’i’s home region, has become a political battleground, with the President touring the area to push his development agenda. They are likely to draw reactions from both Matiang’i and Gachagua as the war of words heats up ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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