Fred Matiang’i vows to fight graft in new appointment

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Dr Matiang'i said the President had instructed him and all other CSs to focus on development and work for Kenyans.
  • Through an Executive Order, President Kenyatta named Mr Matiang’i chairman of the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee.
  • The CS has emerged as one of the most powerful people in the Jubilee administration.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i has for the first time spoken about his new role as chief minister saying he will focus on fighting corruption among other key issues which are hindering achievement of the government's development agenda.

While vowing to give his best, Dr Matiang'i said President Uhuru Kenyatta wants the CSs to lead from the front in the fight against corruption.

A number of government agencies are on the spot over corruption accusations and Mr Matiang'i has in line with the President's order promised to fight the vice by all means possible.

He further said that the-one-man approach type of management employed by the President in coordinating government projects is meant to reduce bureaucracy.

“Bureaucracy has often led to loss of public resources as well as time. When development is managed from one point, it becomes easy to know what is being done where, by who and for how long," he said.

MONITORING PROJECTS

Most government ventures have in the past failed to meet timelines leading to delays, incomplete and abandoned projects costing tax payers billions of shillings in waste.

This is one of the issues the CS has promised to look into.

In the new arrangement, the CS was placed at the heart of government in what some political leaders have said may be a scheme to undermine Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential race.

Mr Matiang'i said the President had instructed him and all other CSs to focus on development and work for Kenyans.

GRAFT FIGHT

President Kenyatta has often reassured Kenyans of his commitment to win the war against graft.

Mr Matiang’i said they are working around the clock to ensure the President’s dream is achieved.

Though the CS did not reveal how he will achieve this, he assured that Kenyans will soon start witnessing changes.

The CS was speaking at Nyagancha in Kitutu Masaba constituency, Nyamira County during the burial of father to area Woman Rep Jerusha Momanyi.

Through an Executive Order, President Kenyatta named Mr Matiang’i chairman of the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee.

The CS has emerged as one of the most powerful people in the Jubilee administration.

President Kenyatta early this month, ordered ministers to co-operate with the CS and told anyone disgruntled with Mr Matiang'i's elevation to quit.

He reminded the 21 CSs that he alone is the appointing authority and he will not hesitate to crack the whip on those sabotaging his agenda.​