Matiang’i tells the youth to take leading role in shaping Kenya’s future 

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i delivered a powerful and uncompromising message to young people during the Kirinyaga Diocesan Youth Celebration held at ACK Church in Kiriguya, Kirinyaga County, urging them to take a decisive role in shaping Kenya’s future.

Speaking before thousands of youth, Matiang’i reflected on the country’s challenges, attributing them to leadership failures and poor governance choices over time. He stressed that the responsibility to transform Kenya now rests heavily on the younger generation.

“The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful country. What is destroying it are the mistakes we have made in managing it,” he said. “Young people, you have a greater responsibility to make Kenya better than it is today.”

In a message that drew strong reactions from the audience, Matiang’i praised the youth for what he described as a growing sense of unity beyond ethnic divisions, especially since June, urging them to build on that foundation.

He challenged them to be more assertive in political and civic spaces, emphasizing that numbers matter in leadership and governance.

“You are more in number — politics is a game of numbers. Take charge of that game. Occupy leadership at all levels and stop allowing non-credible people to occupy positions of responsibility,” he stated.

The former CS further encouraged young people to critically evaluate leaders, reject incompetence, and actively participate in democratic processes without bias or intimidation.

“Help us clean up this country. Ask us tough questions. If we are not worth it, don’t give us the chance,” he added.

He concluded by expressing optimism that the youth, if fully engaged and vigilant, can steer the country toward better governance and national renewal, describing them as the key to correcting past mistakes and securing Kenya’s future.