Matiang’i Shares How a Hymn with President Hichilema Inspired His Presidential Dream

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has shared how a personal encounter with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema reshaped his political outlook and fueled his ambition to one day run for Kenya’s top seat.

Speaking on Sunday at the SDA Church in Lavington, Nairobi, during the Adventist Men Organization (AMO) prayer breakfast themed “Show Yourself a Man – for God and Country,” Matiang’i recounted a meeting that left a lasting impression on him.

He revealed that in early 2022, he had been assigned to represent Kenya as a special envoy shortly after Hichilema’s victory over the late Edgar Lungu.

“The new President of Zambia, knowing I was an Adventist like him, asked that we meet in his house instead of the office. I flew to Zambia, was cleared by the military at the airport, and taken to his house,” he recalled.

When the two finally met, President Hichilema was joined by two of his security chiefs, while Matiang’i had two unnamed Kenyan security officers accompanying him.

“He asked me what my favourite hymn was. Then he said that he likes singing it in his mother tongue and that I should do the same. We were wondering if we should ask our entourage to join in the singing but we decided to let them leave the room,” he recounted with a smile.

The two leaders then sang the hymn “He Leadeth Me” in their native languages, a gesture that left their security teams confused and slightly alarmed.

“I remember one of Kenya’s security men, from the NIS, kept looking, wondering if these two people are okay as we sung in our respective languages,” Matiang’i said, drawing laughter from the congregation.

After their impromptu duet, President Hichilema invited Matiang’i for a tour of his home, where he opened up about the challenges he had faced as an opposition leader.

“He told me that the windows of his house were all broken at one time while he was arrested on trumped-up charges. During one of his court appearances, one of his lawyers was killed. I wondered if it was worth it, and he (Hichilema) told me that he had to fight for the presidency so he could do the right thing,” Matiang’i added.

The former CS said the encounter profoundly influenced his view of leadership and service, reinforcing his belief in integrity and resilience amid adversity.

The former powerful CS in Uhuru’s government, who is yet to make an official pronouncement of political party affiliation, took the chance to reaffirm his presidential ambition. He called on the church community, especially the youth, to rise and demand accountability by questioning public policies and the behavior of those in power.

“You will hear a lot of stories, some even maligning members of our families, but that’s the nature of politics. It’s the sacrifice we must make if we are to redeem our countries. Just like the founders of the nation fought for liberation, we too must be ready to sacrifice for the country we love. We don’t have any other home,” he said.

Matiang’i also urged the youth to reject tribal politics and elect leaders based on merit and integrity. “It’s only during elections that we start hearing about this one being Luo, that one Kikuyu, or the other one Kisii. We can overcome this by choosing diligent leaders,” he said.

Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Matiang’i challenged Kenyans to rethink their role in building the nation. “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

He emphasized that national transformation begins when citizens take responsibility and work collectively toward the Kenya they desire.

The post Matiang’i Shares How a Hymn with President Hichilema Inspired His Presidential Dream appeared first on Nairobi Wire.