Ruto Revisits Matiangi’s Record Under Uhuru Kenyatta, Makes Surprising Admission About His Work

President William Ruto has publicly credited Fred Matiang’i with strong performance in government, while recalling his own role in securing the former Cabinet secretary’s appointment.

Speaking in South Mugirango, Kisii County, on Tuesday, November 10, Ruto said he arranged a meeting between Matiang’i and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He claimed the discussions paved the way for Matiang’i to join Cabinet, where he later handled several major portfolios.

“He went on to do a good job,” Ruto said, referring to Matiang’i’s service under the Jubilee administration. The former Cabinet secretary served in the ICT, Education and Interior ministries, remaining in government until the end of Uhuru’s presidency in 2022.

Ruto also said Matiang’i had returned to the United States after leaving government, where he had secured a well-paying job. He claimed people persuaded the former minister to abandon that position and enter politics by promising substantial financial support for his presidential ambitions.

The President suggested those promises had not materialised, portraying Matiang’i as being taken from one political meeting to another without the resources he had expected. He also mocked the condition of the former minister’s shoes, saying they were nearly worn out from travelling.

The remarks marked a different tone from Ruto’s earlier criticism of Matiang’i. The President has previously linked him to the Ruaraka land controversy and allegations surrounding killings in River Yala, claims that Matiang’i has faced in the public political debate.

Ruto also accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of disrespecting Matiang’i, alleging that Gachagua wanted him to visit his Wamunyoro home and kneel before him. He suggested the disagreement had contributed to tensions between the two opposition figures.

Matiang’i, who is associated with Jubilee Party’s 2027 presidential campaign, has not yet publicly responded to the latest remarks. Ruto’s comments came during his development tour of Kisii and Nyamira, where political competition has increasingly drawn attention to Matiang’i’s home region.

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