Fred Matiang’i defends leadership style, says discipline and law enforcement are key to progress
“What we need is good leadership and leading by example. You can’t keep telling people to stop stealing while doing nothing yourself"
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i has dismissed claims that his leadership style was autocratic, saying his firm approach was rooted in the rule of law and the need for accountability
Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, Matiang’i now a presidential aspirant said enforcing regulations should not be mistaken for authoritarianism. He maintained that meaningful transformation can only be achieved through discipline and strict adherence to existing laws
“Things are not going to happen on their own,” Matiang’i said. “People talk about Singapore, but they forget the sacrifices and discipline that got them there. We must work for progress; it doesn’t just happen”
Reflecting on his tenure at the Interior Ministry, Matiang’i revealed that he inherited a disorganized system that lacked proper records of licensed gun owners a loophole that had become a major security risk
“When I joined, the Ministry had no record of private firearm holders. That’s a serious national security issue,” he said, citing the Firearms Act (Cap. 114), which outlines strict regulations for gun ownership
Matiang’i said this prompted a nationwide audit and revalidation of firearm licenses, leading to the cancellation and reissuance of permits. During the process, five individuals including leaders failed psychiatric tests, with one later being linked to a murder case
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Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Matiang’i said he would employ the same no-nonsense approach if elected president, emphasizing that Kenya doesn’t need new laws but better enforcement of existing ones
“What we need is good leadership and leading by example. You can’t keep telling people to stop stealing while doing nothing yourself,” he said
“I want to be president because this country needs fixing. The horror stories I hear from Kenyans are too many for a nation of our size”
Matiang’i insisted that discipline, transparency, and decisive leadership remain the bedrock of national progress not leniency or populism.
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
