DNK International Matiangi Fred Okengo must understand that by August this year, we shall be exactly 12 months away from the general elections.
While Matiang’i is often presented as a national figure who does not rely on tribal or regional mobilization, fundraising remains unavoidable.
History shows that when the opposition once admitted it had no money and even floated a paybill number, it was widely ridiculed by the public.
The masses operate under the assumption much like wives believing their husbands have bottomless pockets that politicians have endless sources of money.
For this reason, it appeared absurd for an opposition led by seasoned politicians to ask citizens for funds.
It felt like a reversal of responsibilities, similar to a marital role reversal.
Turning to Matiang’i: although he is associated with Jubilee, he has not articulated a clear fundraising blueprint.
The son of Nyamira seems to assume that Jubilee’s owners, particularly the Kenyatta family, will bankroll his presidential bid.
This assumption ignores a basic political reality, as my senior Kwamchetsi Makokha often notes: political parties are sustained by wealthy patrons, oligarchs, and ethnic godfathers.
It is unrealistic to expect the capitalistic and highly extractive Kenyatta family to invest billions of shillings in a presidential campaign without a guaranteed return.
Moreover, the funding that supported Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign largely came from state resources, not from the Kenyatta business empire.
At the time, Uhuru Kenyatta controlled the Treasury. It is therefore naive to imagine that such funds came from Brookside or NCBA Bank.
Capitalists only invest heavily where there is a sure bet.
That said, this does not mean I would automatically oppose Matiang’i.
In a runoff between Kasongo and either Matiang’i or Kalonzo, I would vote against Kasongo.
However, Matiang’i must move beyond attacking fellow opposition figures and instead roll out a clear, empirical, and credible campaign strategy.
[DNK-International@January 19,2026]
