Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has vowed never to do business with the government if elected to office.
Speaking during a local radio interview on Wednesday, Matiang’i, who struck a firm tone on integrity, argued that corruption in Kenya stems not from weak laws but from a failure of leadership.
“In matters of corruption, we do not need new laws; we have enough. We also do not need new commissions because we have enough. What we need is honest, forthright and courageous leadership to deal with this problem,” Matiang’i said.
“You cannot fight corruption if you are the problem, because you cannot tell people to stop doing what you do every day.”
The Jubilee Party Deputy Leader explained that his stance against doing business with the government is a moral conviction and insisted that public officials must avoid conflicts of interest to maintain credibility in office.
“I have no interest in money, and I am not looking for money. I have to lead by example. I do not want to do business with the government,” he said.
Matiang’i pledged that neither he nor his family would engage in government contracts if entrusted with leadership.
“I promise Kenyans that if they give me the mandate, I will not do business with the government, not even my children will, because it denies you the moral authority to manage the government,” Matiang’i affirmed.
Matiang’i has declared he is running for the presidency against Ruto in 2027.
