CS: I am not Gusii spokesman but a State officer serving all Kenyans

The Standard Kisumu Bureau Chief EVELYNE KWAMBOKA interviewed Information Cabinet Secretary FRED MATIANG’I on his role in Gusii politics as well as his work as a Government official. Here are the excerpts.

QUESTION: As President Uhuru Kenyatta’s point-man in Kisii, how easy is it for you to co-ordinate political functions since people consider you a technocrat with no political constituency?

ANSWER: I am aware and it is a fact that President Kenyatta speaks and works with very many leaders from the Gusii community across the political, generational and occupational divide. He has a relationship with very many individuals among the Gusii people. I doubt there is a single individual who can consider themselves as a point person for the President anywhere in this country.

QUESTION: President Uhuru Kenyatta seems to listen to you more than anybody else from Gusii region, how does that make you feel?

ANSWER: I do not know what brings you to this curious conclusion. As we all know, President Kenyatta is a very approachable, easy going and a very humble person who connects amazingly with all sections of society, respects and enjoys a very warm relationship with a wide range of leaders across Kenya.

QUESTION: Some political leaders from Gusiiland have accused you of blocking them from directly accessing the President, are you that abrasive?

ANSWER: I am privileged and honoured to serve our beloved country in the position of Cabinet Secretary. I thank the Lord for this and do not take it for granted. President Kenyatta is a very modern and pragmatic person. I doubt he operates in the old mode of allowing gatekeeping around him, and I can confirm to the best of my knowledge he doesn’t. How on earth can a single individual keep his gate to or from one region of the country?

QUESTION: Some people are not happy that you ensured the President visited Borabu, which is your home and not Nyamira town, the headquarters. Do you consider that nepotism?

ANSWER: No one ensured where the President would pass or stop. The President’s recent visit to Gusii was especially in response to an invitation to preside over the Kisii High School 80th Anniversary celebrations. The planning of his trip was developed around this activity, hence his landing at Nyansiongo so as to easily drive to Kisii. People forget that I have roots in and deep connections with other places within Gusii; I was born and bred in Borabu but what about South Mugirango or elsewhere in Gusii where I have extended family or my family has property and investment? I think we should all strive to be constructive in the manner in which we engage in public issues.

QUESTION: A year ago, a group of highly charged CORD supporters heckled you down at a funeral as you prepared to read the President’s speech. How did that make you feel?

ANSWER: It is a whole year ago! I forgot about it and moved on a long time ago. There is much more to life than grudges and negative experiences. The same grace and forgiveness with which the Lord treats us, we should extend to fellow men, focus on the positive and productive things in life, repair and build relations and live fulfilling lives.

QUESTION: What efforts have you made to ensure that Gusii community is united and remains focused on economic development?

ANSWER: First of all, I would not like to pretend to be Gusii community spokesman or in charge of leadership. Abagusii have many respected leaders, some more experienced in public life than me. Besides, as Cabinet Secretary, my constitutional mandate and responsibility is to serve Kenyans from my docket. However, I would like to observe that conversations and discussions among a broad range of the Gusii professional cadres have been very enlightening to me in the last one year. I remain very committed to conversations on economic development, enhancement of education and reduction of poverty in our society generally. I will continue to engage in such discussions within whatever formations provide an opportunity to.

QUESTION: How is your relationship with former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae?

ANSWER: Mzee Simeon Nyachae is one of the most respected leaders of Kenya. His record in the public service in the country speaks for itself and his contribution to a better Kenya is indelible. It is a fact that I had the privilege of working with him before and I very deeply respect mzee.

QUESTION: Some say you are nursing political ambitions. Is that correct? Which position are you eyeing in Nyamira County in 2017?

ANSWER: The future belongs to God. Only. However, while the Lord gives me life and until I breathe my last, I remain committed to the service of my country and fellow men in whatever station I find myself or will be called to.

QUESTION: There is word that Parliament is plotting to impeach you. What is your opinion on this latest development?

ANSWER: No comment