Jubilee Party Deputy Leader and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has launched a scathing attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of plunging the country into economic hardship, insecurity and widespread mismanagement, while warning that Kenya risks sliding deeper into crisis if the current leadership remains in office.
Speaking during a Jubilee Party meeting in Kiambu town that was later postponed in solidarity with ongoing nationwide protests and shutdown demonstrations, Matiang’i said the party had resolved to suspend its political activities for a week in support of struggling Kenyans.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary addressed party officials, aspirants, church leaders and supporters, saying the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), in consultation with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, held overnight deliberations before reaching the decision to postpone the gathering.
“We stand in solidarity with the rest of Kenyans during the ongoing shutdown. We have decided to postpone today’s meeting until next week so that we can join fellow citizens in reflecting on the crisis facing our country,” Matiang’i told supporters.
Matiang’i accused the government led by President William Ruto of steering the country into economic and social turmoil through corruption, poor governance and incompetence.
“The country is at a standstill. Everywhere you go there is pain. Fuel prices have doubled our campaign expenditure and ordinary wananchi are suffering even more. What we are witnessing is the result of corruption and incompetence in the management of public affairs,” he said.
The Jubilee deputy leader warned that Kenya was facing worsening insecurity, rising public frustration and deteriorating economic conditions, which he said had left many citizens disillusioned.
“The level of insecurity in this country is historic. Robberies, harassment and lawlessness are everywhere. Citizens are angry and frustrated. Those who understand government can clearly see the country is heading in the wrong direction,” he said.
Matiang’i further criticized the administration for allegedly ignoring concerns raised by religious leaders over governance, economic hardship and alleged state excesses.
“The Catholic bishops have spoken. The NCCK has spoken. PCEA leaders have spoken. Instead of listening, what we see is arrogance, insults and complete disinterest in solving the country’s problems,” he said.
He maintained that the current administration had squandered economic gains achieved under the Jubilee government and insisted the former ruling party was prepared to reclaim power and restore stability.
“When Jubilee was in government, we did not have the crisis we are seeing today in schools, healthcare and security. Even during COVID-19, the economy continued growing because every decision was made with the ordinary citizen in mind,” he stated.
Matiang’i also faulted the government-to-government fuel import arrangement, claiming it had contributed to soaring fuel prices and intensified the suffering of ordinary Kenyans.
“Our government will never enter into fictitious and criminal agreements that push fuel prices beyond the reach of ordinary citizens,” he said.
The meeting was punctuated by chants of “one term” from supporters directed at President Ruto’s administration, with Matiang’i arguing that the Kenya Kwanza government had failed to address the needs of citizens.
“The job has overwhelmed them. The only thing they seem good at is plundering the country. Kenyans cannot continue living under these unbearable conditions,” he said.
Matiang’i nevertheless urged Kenyans to remain hopeful and united, saying democratic processes provide citizens with the opportunity to elect new leadership.
“Let us stay united, prepare ourselves and elect a new government that will move this country forward. Kenya deserves better leadership,” he said.
He also conveyed greetings from former President Kenyatta, explaining that the former Head of State had deliberately skipped the Kiambu meeting out of respect for Kenyans facing hardship.
“President Kenyatta said he could not sit in a meeting planning party strategies while citizens are suffering. That is meaningful leadership,” Matiang’i told the gathering.
The meeting also featured remarks from Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Beatrice Gambo, who echoed Matiang’i’s criticism of the government and urged Kenyans to rally behind Jubilee ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gambo said residents in the Coast region were equally burdened by the high cost of living and worsening economic conditions.
“People are in pain and we must change things. Changing leadership is what will lower fuel prices and restore hope to families across the country,” she said.
Jubilee National Youth Leader Angel Mbuthia also urged Kiambu residents to support Matiang’i’s presidential bid, describing him as a capable leader who could steer the country toward economic recovery and stability.
Party officials announced that the postponed Kiambu meeting would now be held next week, where Jubilee leaders are expected to unveil additional political strategies as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
