Matiang’i rallies diaspora to vote, pushes for electoral reforms

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has urged Kenyans living in the United States to actively participate in shaping their country’s future by voting in elections.

Speaking during engagements with the diaspora community, the former CS reiterated the importance of translating patriotism into action through voting.

“My brothers and sisters, whatever we do, unless we are participating in making that decision on who is going to make decisions for us, I mean, what are we going to talk about?,” he posed. “If we are not participating, we can only whine and complain about it,”

Matiang’i expressed concern about the low voter turnout in the 2022 elections, highlighting that of the approximately 300,000 Kenyans residing in the U.S., only around 10,000 registered to vote, and fewer than 3,000 actually cast their ballots.

In response, he announced plans to advocate for greater electoral access for Kenyans in the diaspora, starting with a formal proposal to increase polling stations in the United States from the current three to at least ten or fifteen.

“We are going to form a small team that brings together leaders and representatives from other cities in the U.S,” he said

“We have already started a process of both petitioning the IEBC and also with the prospective of going to court, if need be, to see to it that we have more polling stations here in the United States so that more Kenyans can vote,” Matiang’i added during the town hall meeting.

Highlighting his extensive experience in government, Matiang’i asserted that he possesses a deep understanding of public administration.

“After 10 years in Cabinet – including four as coordinator of government activities – I understand how government works, almost like the back of my hand,” he stated. “I know what needs to be done, and I’m ready to do it.”

Having declared his intention to run for the Presidency, Matiang’i called on Kenyans at home and abroad to trust him with leadership and hold him accountable.

“Since I have put my name on the ticket and I put my hand on this, my commitment is ‘hold me to account.’ I will not make excuses. I will not hide. I will not bend from responsibility. I will face responsibility head on and do the right thing,” he said

He told the diaspora that their involvement should extend beyond remittances, underscoring the importance of choosing the leadership they desire for Kenya.

“As the leaders or aspiring leaders, we can’t love your money and the remittance that you’re making, but we don’t love your contribution,” he said. “My first challenge to you wonderful people is that you need to participate in electing the leaders of Kenya, so that then you can hold people to account,”

At the same time, the former CS stated that Kenyans must move beyond mere rhetoric when discussing governance issues.

“If the middle class in Kenya actually wanted to change the country, they can. We can stay on X. It’s a good forum, we can engage, yes. But going to vote makes a difference. Because that way then you’ll be able to take decisions that affect the way in which your country is managed,” he remarked

Matiang’i is in the U.S exacrly the same time as Former Deputy President and DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua.