Matiang’i: How I will finance my presidential campaign

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has said he intends to finance his presidential campaign largely through contributions from well-wishers and a vast network of volunteers.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Matiang’i said his campaign for the 2027 General Election will rely on financial and logistical support from ordinary Kenyans who believe in his leadership and vision for the country.

“I am going to finance my campaign through contributions I get from well-wishers,” Matiang’i said.

Matiang’i, who served as Interior Cabinet Secretary under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, is among the principals in the United Opposition coalition seeking to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 polls.

He is running on a Jubilee Party ticket after the Uhuru Kenyatta-led party formally declared him its presidential flagbearer on October 30.

The former CS acknowledged that he does not possess the vast personal wealth often associated with presidential contenders in Kenya and said he was comfortable being upfront about his financial standing.

“Everybody knows I am not a famous businessman; I have not smuggled gold from Sudan or DRC. I am not a gold businessman; I am not an insurance broker. I have not given insurance cover to the police or the Teachers Service Commission. I am just Fred Matiang’i,” he stated.

He added that his campaign is being sustained by contributions from ordinary supporters, including teachers, volunteers and professionals who are willing to give what they can to support his bid.

“I am benefiting from small people, fellow teachers, volunteers who are making contributions,” Matiang’i said.

According to him, volunteerism will form the backbone of his campaign machinery, significantly reducing the financial burden usually associated with nationwide campaigns.

“Two-thirds of people in my campaign are volunteers; they are not earning a salary,” he asserted.

Matiang’i further said there is a growing group of Kenyans who want what is best for the country and are ready to contribute their time and resources without expecting financial reward.

“There is a group of Kenyans who want good for their country, and they are willing to say, ‘Okay, I will fuel my car and come to work for you two days a week.’ That is how I intend to go about it. I intend to build an infrastructure of volunteerism,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the number of volunteers supporting his campaign will continue to grow as the election draws closer.

“There are quite a number of volunteers and I believe there are going to be many more,” Matiang’i added.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Kenya’s increasingly expensive presidential campaigns, which have become multi-billion-shilling undertakings.

From nationwide rallies and media advertising to logistics, security, branding and voter mobilisation, the cost of running a competitive presidential campaign has risen sharply over the years.

A significant portion of campaign spending goes into transport and mobilisation across the country’s 47 counties, including hiring helicopters, vehicles and buses to move candidates, campaign teams and supporters.

Advertising on television, radio, print and digital platforms also consumes a lot of money, especially during the peak campaign period when demand for airtime surges.