Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has, for the first time, opened up on how he is funding his presidential campaign, insisting that it is powered by friends and ordinary supporters.

Speaking on TV 47, Matiang’i said he has neither smuggled gold nor looted public resources, contrary to speculation about the source of his campaign funds.

“I don’t have big money. I have not smuggled gold from anywhere, and I have not looted anything. I am just Fred working with people, and I’m happy,” he said.

The former CS explained that his campaign relies on contributions from friends, former classmates, and well-wishers who chip in to keep his movement alive.

“I meet friends who say, ‘Waziri, I will fuel your car or give you Sh100,000 to do it.’ I move around with friends and former classmates, we put money together and so if President Uhuru Kenyatta gives me a contribution for the campaign, he will be one among hundreds of people who have done that,” Matiang’i said.

He admitted he does not have the financial muscle of other presidential contenders but said his strength lies in the people who believe in him.

“It’s true, people say I don’t have money. I raise money from the people. I was in the US the other day raising money from Kenyans abroad,” he added.

Matiang’i has positioned himself as a people-driven candidate, saying his presidential bid is about integrity, accountability, and trust, not deep pockets.

The former Interior CS also dismissed claims that his presidential bid is being sponsored by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying such narratives are baseless and petty.

He insisted that he will not be rattled by suggestions that he is a political project, stressing that his track record and independence speak for themselves.

“I am not Uhuru’s project. Why would I even be rattled by that? It’s something that cannot annoy me or even a cockroach,” Matiang’i said.

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He acknowledged his close working relationship with Uhuru, having served in his Cabinet for a decade, but argued that friendship and professional trust do not make him a political pawn.

“I served under President Uhuru Kenyatta as Cabinet minister for 10 years. He trusted me in the last three years of his administration to chair the Cabinet Coordination Committee and he is my friend. I have no problems with that. Now, how would I be a project?” he posed.

Matiang’i added that such accusations defy logic, pointing to his professional credentials beyond government service.

“I have just come from the World Bank, am I the World Bank’s project? People need to respect common sense. We waste time on pettiness,” he said.