Speaking at a town hall meeting with Kenyans living in Texas, Matiang’i questioned why tribalism remains central to Kenya’s politics instead of competence and integrity.
The former CS urged Kenyans to reject tribalism and demand accountability and capability from those seeking leadership.
"Why are we actually having a debate about tribes in our country? When we go to a hospital, I am not aware of anyone who goes around and looks at the board and says, this is a doctor from my tribe so that I can be treated. You go in and you get a service,'' he said.
“The government should be about service, not ethnic alliances.”
He challenged Kenyans in the diaspora to play a more active role in sensitising citizens back home to reject tribalism and embrace merit-based leadership.
“I ask you, more than anyone else, you who live in the US and are exposed to a different environment of the most important thing you can do to help our people is to push this message,” Matiang’i said.
“Persuade our people to understand that where we’re going is not about ethnic communities. It’s about a simple question: Can you or can you not do the job?”
Kenya’s political landscape has long been shaped by ethnic calculations, with the country’s dominant communities often controlling power since independence.
Matiang’i, who has declared his presidential ambition for the 2027 general election, has faced criticism over claims that he hails from a "small tribe" in Nyanza that lacks the numerical strength to secure the presidency.
He dismissed the politicisation of religion in national affairs, saying, “Your religion is your private affair. Be a good person, love your wife, give your offering—but let’s now manage the country.”
Matiang’i ended his remarks with a solemn tribute to the victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests, calling for a moment of silence in honour of the young Kenyans who lost their lives during the demonstrations.
“This has become Gen Z month in Kenya,” he said.
“Let us never forget the price our young people paid while standing up for justice and a better future.”
His visit to Texas appears to be part of a calculated effort to woo the diaspora vote as he positions himself for a serious presidential run in 2027.
Matiang’i is reportedly working with key opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K party boss Eugene Wamalwa, and PLP leader Martha Karua.
In March, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga downplayed Matiang’i’s presidential chances, arguing that support from the Kisii region alone would not be enough to secure a win.
Speaking in Kisii on March 7, 2025, during a press briefing alongside other political leaders, Raila said any serious presidential contender must consolidate support across multiple regions.
“There’s no such thing as a community producing a presidential candidate,” Raila said.
“Someone running for president is vying to lead the entire
country. You cannot be elected president of Kenya on the basis of Kisii votes,
or Luo votes, or Luhya votes—or even Mount Kenya votes. If you want to be
elected, you must be elected by Kenya as a whole.”
