Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i appears to be considering running for president in 2027.
This is after recent reports showed that the former CS has hired a Montreal-based Canadian lobbying firm for $250,000 (Ksh 32 million) to gain foreign support. READ FULL STORY
According to an agreement signed on July 13, 2024, lobbying firm Dickens and Madson will lobby the executive or legislative branches of top governments on Matiang’i’s behalf.
This includes powerful nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Kenya and any other mutually agreed-upon countries, as well as international organizations,
“The firm will also provide other services to assist in devising and executing policies for the beneficial development and stability of your political goals and to assist you in attaining the Office of the President of the Republic of Kenya,” the agreement stated.
For starters, Dickens & Madson is a Canadian lobbying and public relations firm founded by Ari Ben-Menashe, who has a controversial history as a political consultant and lobbyist.
The firm specializes in providing strategic advice and lobbying services to various clients, including foreign governments and private corporations.
The firm offers a range of services, including lobbying, engaging with government officials and legislators to influence policy decisions, public relations, managing the public image of clients and crafting narratives to shape public perception and consulting, providing strategic advice on political and regulatory matters.
Dickens & Madson has represented several foreign governments, often those facing international scrutiny or sanctions.
The firm has been involved in lobbying efforts for the Zimbabwean government, particularly under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, promoting land deals and attempting to improve Zimbabwe’s international standing amid criticism regarding human rights abuses and governance issues.
One of the more controversial aspects of Dickens & Madson’s work involved Paul Calder Le Roux, a former criminal mastermind turned businessman.
The firm assisted him in lobbying for land leases in Zimbabwe, despite Le Roux’s background including serious criminal activities, which raised ethical questions about the firm’s association with him.
Dickens & Madson has faced criticism for its choice of clients and the ethical implications of representing regimes with poor human rights records.
Critics argue that the firm prioritizes profit over ethical considerations, engaging with governments that are often isolated on the international stage.
Matiang’i served as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government from July 8, 2017, until September 2022.
Initially appointed in an acting capacity after the death of Joseph Ole Nkaissery, he was confirmed in January 2018.
Known as “super CS,” he was pivotal in various ministries, including Education and ICT, and chaired the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee.
His tenure was marked by significant reforms but ended quietly as President William Ruto took office, with Matiang’i later facing legal scrutiny and allegations of corruption.
