- Cabinet Secretary for Interior and coordination of National government Dr Fred Matiang’i has retracted his earlier sentiments on campaigning for ODM leader Raila Odinga in his presidential bid.
- The CS has been on record backing Azimio presidential hopeful to succeed his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta and at one point said the Nyanza region was safe in Raila’s hands.
In what it seems backtracking, speaking on Saturday, March 26, at the Catholic Diocese of Kisii, Matiang’i, contrary to his initial stand, insisted that it is not prudent for civil servants to campaign for a particular candidate
“My brothers and sisters who are here, all of you and I want to speak on behalf of civil servants, we cannot take sides. Everyone who is looking for an elective position, all these candidates are related to us, all of them are our friends, we cannot take sides,” said Matiang’i.
The Interior boss asked civil servants to stick to their day jobs devoid of active political involvement
He affirmed that will now focus more on ensuring that the country has a peaceful election slated for August 9, 2022 and the subsequent transition.
Matiangi’s remarks are expected to elicit mixed reactions as civil servants, whom he asked to focus more on service delivery, have been actively campaigning for their preferred candidates
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya has been on active campaigns for the Azimio la Umoja coalition which is backing Raila’s presidency in the Mt Kenya region
On contrary, Raila revealed he had plans to endorse Matiang’i for the presidency in August. Speaking on Friday, October 22, in Nyamira where delegates had hosted him, Raila suggested that he had given up on his quest to occupy the top office, resorting to playing the kingmaker role, this time settling on Matiang’i for the top job.
However, Raila said the CS chose not to go for the seat at own volition.
On his part, Matiang’i said he bowed out following the directive from Uhuru, who asked him (Matiang’i) to rally behind the ODM chief.