THIKA— Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has issued a stark warning over the growing public frustration in Kenya, saying the country is experiencing a leadership breakdown at a critical moment. Speaking at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Thika on Sunday, Matiang’i pointed to the recent Gen Z-led protests as a wake-up call that leaders can no longer afford to ignore.
“You don’t need rocket science or a PhD from Harvard to know that the country is headed in the wrong direction and that the citizens are not happy,” Matiang’i said during his remarks to the congregation.
His statement follows nationwide protests organized by young Kenyans, demanding accountability, transparency, and reforms. The demonstrations have led to dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to reports by human rights groups and local health officials.
Matiang’i criticized both government and opposition leaders for failing to address the root causes of the unrest. He accused political figures of shifting blame and fueling ethnic divisions instead of presenting solutions.
“Now we’re being told that a certain community moved from one county to another and caused all this mayhem,” he said. “Does that mean there was no one from Murang’a or Nyeri present that day?”
He condemned the state’s response to the protests, specifically pointing to poor communication and vague investigations into the use of excessive force by security forces. According to Matiang’i, statements made by senior officials have only fueled public anger.
“When such things occur, you hear all sorts of interesting claims,” he said, dismissing recent government explanations as out of touch with the situation on the ground.
Matiang’i urged leaders across the political divide to pause their campaigns and focus on resolving the issues raised by the youth. He stressed the importance of dialogue and national unity to prevent further breakdown in trust between citizens and institutions.
“Our young people are not just out there to make noise. They’re speaking up for a better Kenya. If we continue ignoring them, the consequences will be more severe,” he said.
The Gen Z-led movement began as a response to the Finance Bill 2025, but quickly evolved into a broader demand for accountability, social justice, and an end to corruption. Police crackdowns and political finger-pointing have intensified tensions nationwide.
Fred Matiang’i, who is Jubilee Party presidential candidate in the 2027 elections following his return from an international job position previously hinted at a return to national politics, positioned himself as a voice of reason amid the rising political temperatures. His remarks echoed the frustration felt by a growing number of Kenyans disillusioned with the current leadership.
As the protests continue to ripple across the country, calls for change are getting louder. Matiang’i’s intervention adds weight to the urgent national conversation around leadership, trust, and Kenya’s future direction.
