NAIROBI, KENYA – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, launched a blistering critique of President William Ruto's government, vowing to implement “radical” changes to fix what he described as a mess created by the current administration. Speaking during an interview on NTV, the former minister, who has been endorsed by the Jubilee Party as its presidential candidate for 2027, detailed a plan focused on restoring discipline in public service, overhauling economic policy, and sealing corruption loopholes.

“If I were to be so blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to run the country as president, the first thing I would do is be very radical: bring discipline to public service and stop some of the programmes,” Dr. Matiang'i stated, signaling a departure from current policies. His re-emergence on the national stage follows months of speculation and strategic political moves, including being named Jubilee's deputy party leader, positioning him as a key figure in a unifying opposition.

Economic and Governance Blueprint

At the core of Dr. Matiang'i's criticism is the state of Kenya's economy under President Ruto. He pointed to the country's ballooning public debt, which has surpassed KSh 11 trillion, and a punitive tax regime as primary failures of the Kenya Kwanza government. “The debt problem... is the product of irresponsibility and ‘untidy’ contractual agreements,” he said, pledging to renegotiate contracts and outlaw public officers from doing business with the state to curb graft. This comes as many Kenyans report a worsening economic situation and a high cost of living, issues that have fueled widespread discontent and protests.

Dr. Matiang'i, who earned a reputation as a no-nonsense technocrat and a “Mr. Fix It” while serving in the cabinets of both Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, contrasted his track record with the current leadership. He specifically targeted the education sector, which he once led, claiming it has collapsed under the current administration due to delayed capitation funds. “We cannot say that we want to be Singapore when we are not educating our population,” he argued, promising to implement free primary and secondary education by eliminating wasteful spending.

A Challenge to Ruto's Leadership

The former CS also took aim at the administration's healthcare reforms, dismissing the Social Health Authority (SHA) as a “joke” that is failing to benefit ordinary citizens in rural areas. This criticism taps into public skepticism over the rollout and effectiveness of the new health scheme. Furthermore, he accused the government of straining regional diplomatic ties and failing to protect Kenyan citizens abroad.

Dr. Matiang'i’s statements are widely seen as the foundation of his 2027 presidential campaign. Having formally joined the Jubilee Party in October 2025, he has been actively working to rejuvenate the party and build a national coalition. His allies, including Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, have been vocal in their support, casting him as a decisive and development-focused leader capable of challenging President Ruto.

During his tenure in government, Dr. Matiang'i spearheaded significant reforms across multiple dockets. As ICT Secretary, he oversaw the contentious but successful migration from analogue to digital television broadcasting. In the Education Ministry, he is credited with curbing rampant exam cheating. As Interior CS, he led a multi-agency approach to security that enhanced coordination and modernized the police service.

While President Ruto has defended his administration's record, citing progress in agriculture and healthcare, critics point to a disconnect between official statements and the reality faced by many Kenyans. The administration has struggled with a fiscal crisis inherited from the previous government, and its efforts to raise revenue through new taxes have been met with stiff public resistance. Dr. Matiang'i's plan to instill discipline, fight corruption, and prioritize social services like education presents a direct challenge to the President's economic strategy. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, his platform is set to sharpen the national debate on Kenya's future direction. Streamline News has reached out to the State House spokesperson for comment on Dr. Matiang'i's remarks but had not received a response by the time of publication.