Dr Kinity Links Matiba Legacy To Anti-Corruption Fight Ahead Of 2027 Polls

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Presidential aspirant Dr Isaac Newton Kinity has linked his political association with the late Kenneth Matiba to his decades-long fight against corruption, as he seeks to rally Kenyans behind the Jirani Mzalendo Asili Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kinity, a human rights activist and former secretary-general of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, says removing President William Ruto from office without dismantling corruption networks would do little to address unemployment, economic hardship and other challenges facing Kenyans.

He argues that corruption must be tackled across the political divide, with those found guilty of stealing public resources prosecuted and compelled to return the money through lawful processes.

“Slogans such as ‘One Term,’ ‘Kasongo,’ ‘Zakayo’ and ‘Ruto Must Go’ will not, on their own, improve the lives of Kenyans if corruption and the theft of public resources remain unchecked,” Kinity said in a statement to newsrooms.

He cited Kenya’s political transition following the departure of former President Daniel arap Moi, arguing that changing leaders without addressing corruption had failed to resolve the country’s underlying problems.

Kinity, who traces his anti-corruption activism to 1980, has pledged to eradicate corruption within two years if elected president, promising to resign if he fails to meet the target.

He also urged Generation Z and other young Kenyans to take charge of their political future by independently evaluating candidates rather than automatically following the political preferences of their parents.

He argues that young people should prioritize leadership records, policies and accountability when deciding which candidates and parties to support.

His appeal links corruption to youth unemployment, claiming that the theft of public resources undermines investment in job creation and essential services.

He has called on Kenyans to read his manifesto and presidential declaration to assess his proposals for addressing governance and economic challenges.

Kinity is seeking to position the fight against corruption as the central pillar of his presidential campaign, arguing that replacing the incumbent alone would not deliver meaningful change.

Kinity says his association with Matiba reflects a longstanding commitment to patriotism and political accountability.

“It is important to remember that my decision to stand with the late Kenneth Matiba and his party, which championed patriotism, is a significant part of Kenya’s political history,” he said.

Kinity has called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals found responsible for corruption, whether in government or the opposition, alongside the recovery of stolen public funds.

He says such measures are necessary to improve public services, create economic opportunities and ensure public resources benefit citizens.

“Insulting William Ruto without addressing corruption will not change the lives of Gen Z or other Kenyans in any meaningful way,” he said.

As the 2027 election approaches, Kinity is asking voters to judge his presidential bid on his proposed anti-corruption agenda and broader governance commitments.

His pledge to eradicate corruption within two years presents an ambitious target. Its credibility will depend on the specific measures, institutional reforms and accountability mechanisms he proposes to achieve it.

Matiba was a leading opposition figure during Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy and contested the 1992 presidential election under the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Asili (FORD-Asili) banner.

The party associated with his political legacy later operated as Mzalendo Saba Saba Party before its leadership pursued a broader national identity through the Jirani Mzalendo Asili Party of Kenya (J-MAPK).

The rebranding was reported as an effort to expand the party’s appeal beyond its traditional regional base and attract supporters from across the country.

According to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, J-MAPK was issued registration certificate serial number 052 on July 12, 2012. Its registered symbol is a red shoe, and its slogan is “Jirani Mwema.”

The party’s historical association with Matiba connects Kinity’s campaign to the broader legacy of the struggle for multiparty democracy, although its present-day national reach and electoral strength will depend on its organization and support.