MATIANG’I TORCHES RUTO: “NATIONAL CONVERSATION IS A MISPLACED PRIORITY!” AFTER YESTERDAY’S ADDRESS

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has sharply criticised President William Ruto’s proposal for a national conversation on Kenya’s development beyond Vision 2030, describing it as a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting attention from the administration’s failures.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Dr. Matiang’i argued that the country faces more urgent challenges that demand immediate attention before any broader national dialogue can be meaningful.

“The President’s proposal to launch a national conversation is a clear case of misplaced priority,” Dr. Matiang’i said. “It is only meant to divert attention from gross violations of the Constitution and the leadership failures that are currently haunting his administration.”

Matiang’i took issue with what he termed a contradiction in the President’s address, noting that Ruto spoke about human rights and constitutional patriotism even as law and order continue to deteriorate across the country.

“Armed criminals now routinely terrorise motorists on major highways in broad daylight. Thugs have the audacity to storm churches and disrupt worship, while political leaders are stoned at rallies with perpetrators walking away scot-free,” he said.

The former powerful CS also pointed to what he described as a worrying collapse of independent institutions, many of which he claimed have been captured and rendered ineffective.

“Most state institutions have become inert because they are held hostage by the ever-controlling Presidency,” Matiang’i stated. He cited recent remarks by former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u as confirmation that key institutions now function as “frightened departments” that obey the President rather than the Constitution.

He posed a direct challenge to the President: “Any credible national conversation must begin with this question — does William Ruto have the basic tolerance and respectful attitude towards public institutions necessary to mobilise the country?”

Dr. Matiang’i further highlighted what he called a deep trust deficit that has come to define the Ruto administration, citing the unfulfilled promises of the NADCO 10-point plan, the Broad-Based Government initiative, and several other pledges made to Kenyans, especially the youth.

Despite his criticism, Matiang’i struck a note of optimism, urging Kenyans not to lose hope.

“As Kenyans, we must never lose hope. We will turn the page on 10 August 2027 and embark on a more trustworthy journey towards fixing our nation,” he said.

The statement comes barely 24 hours after President Ruto, in a national address, called for a broad conversation on the country’s future development path as Vision 2030 nears its conclusion.