Fred Matiang’i, the former Cabinet Secretary, recently shared a lighthearted story about introducing his wife to a former college classmate at Nairobi's Yaya Centre.
During the chance meeting, Matiang’i’s classmate was visibly shocked and exclaimed loudly upon learning that he was married. The former CS recounted, “She screamed in the corridors, ‘huh, Fred, you’re actually married?’”
Why the Surprise?
The classmate explained that during their college days, Matiang’i was known for his playful nature, which made the idea of him settling down seem unlikely. Matiang’i dismissed any rumors suggesting he was a player, stating, “I wasn’t that type of person.”
Reflecting on youth, he noted that at 18 or 19 years old, serious commitments were not a common focus for him or his peers.
Fond Memories from His Tenure
Matiang’i also revealed how his school visits as Education CS would often bring back memories, sometimes prompting him to call out old nicknames of classmates even in official settings, much to the amusement and gentle reminders from his aides.
Known for guarding his family’s privacy, Matiang’i’s wife rarely appears publicly, making this candid anecdote a rare glimpse into his personal life.
