Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has pushed back against the widespread belief that politics is inherently dirty, saying the issue may lie more with the individuals in the system than the system itself.
Speaking during an interview with K24 on Monday, Matiang’i questioned whether the negative reputation of politics is justified or simply driven by the conduct of those involved.
“I don’t know if it’s dirty politics or the people who are there that are the dirty,” he said.
“The world is full of decent people who have been in politics and made their mark and gone their way, so I don’t know if it’s the politics itself or the people there that are dirty.”
He further expressed concern that the “dirty politics” narrative is often used to discourage competent, ethical individuals from pursuing leadership positions.
“I sometimes feel the notion is used to deter people who could have had the influence and capacity to help people,” he added.
