Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has called on Kenyans living in the United States to shift from passive observers to active participants in shaping Kenya’s future starting with the ballot.
During a series of meetings with the diaspora community, Matiang’i challenged the thousands of Kenyans living abroad to match their patriotism with meaningful political action by voting.
“We love to talk about our country and its problems,” he said. “But if we don’t vote, we’re just spectators. You can’t sit out of the process and then complain about how things are run.”
Matiang’i, who recently announced his intention to vie for the presidency, expressed concern over the low diaspora turnout during Kenya’s 2022 general elections. Despite an estimated 300,000 Kenyans living in the U.S., only about 10,000 registered to vote of which fewer than 3,000 cast ballots.
To fix that, the former CS unveiled a plan to push for expanded access to voting for Kenyans in the diaspora. He said he’s assembling a team of diaspora leaders to petition the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and, if necessary, challenge current limitations in court.
“It’s unacceptable that we only have three polling stations in a country this vast,” he said. “We’re pushing for at least ten to fifteen. Voting shouldn’t be a privilege based on proximity.”
Matiang’i also leaned into his decade-long government experience, noting his deep understanding of how public institutions function. “I’ve spent 10 years in Cabinet, four of them coordinating government operations,” he said. “I know what needs fixing. And I’m prepared to do it.”
His message wasn’t just about logistics or politics it was a call for ownership and responsibility. He urged Kenyans to go beyond remittances and become active stakeholders in national governance.
“We can’t just love your dollars and ignore your voice,” he told the audience. “If you want good leadership, help choose it. Participate. Demand accountability.”
Matiang’i’s visit to the U.S. comes at the same time as that of former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua an overlap that adds a political edge to the diaspora tour circuit.
While Matiang’i didn’t mention Gachagua by name, his pitch was clear: Kenya needs serious, disciplined leadership and he’s ready to take that mantle.
“If I’m asking for your trust, then I must also ask you to hold me to account,” he said. “No excuses. No hiding. Just action.”
He wrapped up his remarks by urging Kenyans, both abroad and at home, to stop outsourcing responsibility for the country’s future.
“We talk endlessly online. But real change starts at the ballot,” he said. “If the middle class turned out in numbers, this country would look very different.”
