Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was to vie for presidency in the next general elections slated for August 9, 2021.
According to the Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga, Matiang’i declined to vie for presidency in the coming elections to pave the way for him.
Speaking while in Nyamira County, Matiang’i revealed that the initial ODM plan was to endorse Matiang’i to face Deputy President William Ruto.
Raila said that Matiang’i insisted that he should be the one to compete with DP Ruto especially after the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2018.
“We discussed with him how things should be, and at one time I said I was ready to support him (Matiang’i). But when we did a review to look at how the ground was, he told me that I should be the one to go first,” Raila stated.
On his side, Matiang’i revealed that he had to pause his presidential ambitions after receiving directions from his boss president Kenyatta.
He further criticized DP Ruto’s campaigns while accusing him of double speaking and being dishonest towards president Kenyatta.
“When someone gives you such respect, they give you a job, they put you in an office where you are with him and you work with him everyday, then you become a madman and start going around the country. Sometimes in the morning you are in the opposition, during the night you are in government. You are lying to people, blaming the government you work for. Have you seen such kind of lies and madness?” Matiang’i posed.
Raila also initiated peace among Kisii governor James Ongwae and the CS by ensuring that they shook hands.
The two have been in a political war with each one of them trying to prove to be the region’s kingpin.
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