Fred Matiangi: ‘Cattle dip chairman’ political analogy could be true, man is aloof and arrogant

Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi is a man who has exemplified his credentials as a performer and loyal member of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government, whose integrity has been, at least in the public eye, similar to Caesar’s wife.

The ‘Super CS’ has been solidly clean and not even an attempt to portray him as corrupt over the Ruaraka land saga with allegations he was given KSh300 million could not succeed to taint the astute Seventh-Day Adventist Church elder.

Indeed, in more ways than one, he has demonstrated a work ethic driven by delivery of service and a go-getter whenever there are decisions to be made for the good of Kenyan people. From his first appointment as CS in charge of ICT, successfully overseeing Kenya’s digital migration amidst stiff opposition from the ‘big boys’ in the media industry.

His record was replicated at the ministry where he dismantled cartels and even obliterated one Musau Ndunda’s influence as a ‘forever’ chairman of the parents’ association.

Nominated MP Wilson Sossion is a man who had a rough time dealing with Matiangi and may have as well earned his nomination because he had to align himself to Raila Odinga to weather the CS onslaught on him as SG of the teachers union.

His elevation to interior was viewed as a just reward for a loyal servant and blue-eyed boy of the Head of State, a special status confirmed when he was made chair of the cabinet committee on development.

Many believed, and still do, he had become the super man among his colleagues and even above the Deputy President – a Prime Minister of sorts after that presidential executive order.

What has led to this is how his name being mentioned among contenders to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, a distraction to William Ruto’s ambition has split the country’s political landscape.

What’s more interesting is how his own Gusii backyard is divided about his credentials for presidency.

Vocal Tanga Tanga allies, not least South Mugirango’s Sylvanus Osoro, from the larger Gusii have joined those from Ruto’s Rift Valley backyard in saying the man from Nyamira does not even fit the bill of a cattle dip chairman election, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot saying he would be punching above his weight if he were throw his name into the presidential hat of contenders.

“CS Matiangi should start first by running for MCA then governor then senator before he can dream of becoming president,” Cheruiyot said during a visit to Nyamira recently.

But I have taken time to gather the sentiments of those opposed to Matiangi, may be they have a point against him. He couldn’t be that perfect, after all he is a mere mortal like all of us.

Politicians from Gusii call him disrespectful and proud when he is dealing with the political leadership. They accuse him of never taking calls and always being in a hurry if they happen to meet.

“He is ever going to State House to see the president”, they say of him.

Politicians loyal to the occupant across the road from Matiangi’s office say that is the same attitude with which he treats their boss, who by virtue of his position should be the CS’s senior.

He comes out as though he only respects the president, they say; and for that they have no kind adjectives for him when you ask them about how they relate the country’s second in command.

His perceived ‘arrogant’ demeanour has been confirmed by some of his old friends who accuse CS Matiangi of neither nor returning calls and when he calls back it would be days and the tone is “dismissive”.

But one cannot entirely trust politicians claims against a member of the cabinet because of how crafty they would want to be if given the chance.

They could be a frustrated lot out f failed attempts to manipulate their man for selfish gains. The same can be said of old friends, who maybe would want to ride on their association to the powerful CS to reap where they have not sown, this is Kenya.

So a more objective view would do and I have taken time to engage my colleagues in the fourth estate on how they see this man. It is even worse and harsh.

Scribes accuse the man of dismissing them ab initio and giving them no chance at anything, this man rarely agrees to any interviews and will always refer journalists to his junior officers, who hardly offer any meaningful info to add value to their pursuit of their story lines.

They allege that CS Matiangi only deals with some chosen few and so majority don’t bother to look for him even for simple clarifications because

“Atakuambia uongee na watu wengine (He will tell you to speak to other people) who don’t give you what you are looking for”, one colleague tells me when I ask him of his relationship with the CS.

Further indictment of the CS unkind attitude comes from the grassroots where people say he doesn’t help them and that being in the plum position, he has not opened doors for his people. Indeed expectations do hurt and that’s what the say has happened to them.

“Do you know anyone that he (Matiangi) has helped since he became minister?” poses a patron at a Nairobi joint owned and frequented by Kisiis.

“Onye koru education tarigete barimu naende abwo nanga nao abwenerete koa abanto chigasi ori tari monto orakonye monto (If from his time at the education ministry he did not employ teachers and that’s where he had the opportunity then this man cannot help anyone),” adds the patron, who is now on a few bottles.

Another one quips: “Abasigari mbarenga aire epromotion gose nonye nokorika abana buna bono Nkaissery arigete abamansae (How many police officers has he promoted or even employed youths like Nkaissery did to Maasais?).”

MP Osoro, a first-timer in parliament, recently rubbished Matiangi as a non-starter in national politics who cannot compete against Ruto in the 2022 succession contest.

His critics may have a point but those backing him say he is being gauged against a very steep gradient and those saying he has not helped his people want shortcuts.

His new-found allies, including Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati – once a critic of the CS, suggest they want him to put systems and not favours for his kinsmen because “Omogusii works hard and would merit any opportunity if the systems were fair”.

While he is not speaking for himself about his ambitions, it is clear that his appetite could be growing because some of those speeches are being made in his presence and he has not said anything to endorse or decline.

What remains to be seen is if he has got the muscle and political clout to galvanize the community as his mentor – Mzee Simeon Nyachae did in 2002 and until his retirement from politics in 2008.

Mzee Nyachae, under FORD-People’s watu wengi sana managed to get the Abagusii vote as a block in his presidential bid to succeed then retiring President Daniel Moi; something that has not been repeated again.

His supporters and opponents alike have a point although I’d be more inclined to those spewing negativity against the man, especially on his aloofness. But the jury will soon be out.