Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has criticised President William Ruto's proposal to launch a national conversation on Kenya's development beyond Vision 2030, describing the initiative as a misplaced priority that diverts attention from what he termed pressing constitutional and governance concerns.
In a statement released on Friday, Matiang'i argued that the proposed dialogue should not take precedence over addressing alleged failures in governance, security and the rule of law.
"President William Ruto's proposal to launch a national conversation on Kenya's development post-Vision 2030 is a clear case of misplaced priority. This is only meant to divert our attention from Ruto's gross violations of the Constitution and leadership failures that are pressuring him to address," Matiang'i said.
The remarks came after President Ruto announced plans to convene a national conversation on Kenya's long-term development trajectory after the expiry of Vision 2030, saying the country requires a shared vision that transcends political administrations and election cycles.
However, Matiang'i questioned the timing of the initiative, arguing that the government should first address concerns over security, constitutionalism and the functioning of public institutions.
"It is a contradiction that Ruto has the temerity to lecture us about human rights and the patriotic clauses of our Constitution when he has failed to address cases of rampant thuggery and the wanton breakdown of law and order in our country," he said.
The former Cabinet Secretary claimed that insecurity had become increasingly common, alleging that criminal gangs were operating with impunity on major highways and that attacks on places of worship and political gatherings had raised concerns about public safety.
"Ruto has failed to stop thugs from descending on major highways where they terrorise motorists in broad daylight. It is now routine for armed criminals to boldly pounce on worshippers in churches, while criminals daringly stone political leaders at rallies only to go scot-free," Matiang'i said.
He also accused the administration of undermining the independence of public institutions, claiming that key state agencies had become ineffective because of excessive executive control.
"Above all, we have witnessed a shocking collapse of institutions, most of which have become inert mainly because they are held hostage by the ever-controlling Ruto," he said.
Matiang'i referenced former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u, saying his recent remarks reinforced concerns about the relationship between the Executive and independent institutions.
"His former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u, has become the latest to confirm that Ruto has reduced state institutions into frightened departments that only obey him rather than the Constitution," he said.
He argued that any national conversation should begin with restoring respect for constitutional institutions and rebuilding public confidence in government. "This is where the so-called new conversation must start. Does William Ruto have the basic tolerance and the necessary respectful attitude towards public institutions to mobilize the country and steer the so-called new conversation?" Matiang'i posed.
The former Interior CS also cited what he described as a growing trust deficit in the current administration, pointing to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) 10-point plan, the Broad-Based Government arrangement and what he termed unfulfilled promises. Despite his criticism, Matiang'i urged Kenyans to remain optimistic about the country's future.
"As Kenyans, we must NEVER lose hope. We will turn the page on 10 August 2027 and embark on a more trustworthy journey towards fixing our nation," he said.
The President's proposed national conversation is expected to begin on August 12 and is intended to chart Kenya's development path beyond Vision 2030 through broad public participation.