Gachagua ally Ndegwa Njiru: Matiang’i is State ‘project’

By Newsflash Writer

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has sensationally claimed that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is being propped up as a State project in the 2027 race.

Njiru, who also enjoys close political ties with Wiper Patriotic Party (WPP) leader Kalonzo Musyoka, said Matiang’i’s sudden re-emergence in national politics is a carefully orchestrated move to destabilize the Opposition.

Speaking during an interview on Kameme TV on Tuesday, August 19, Njiru said:
“Matiang’i is State’s project. He’s a State project.”

He linked Matiang’i’s political activities to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), alleging that the spy agency is behind attempts to project the former CS as a potential Opposition leader.

NIS and the Gen Z factor

Njiru tied Matiang’i’s political revival to the recent youth-led protests in the country, suggesting that State operatives are attempting to manipulate the movement.

“When there was a countrywide hype about the Gen Zs, they said that [the Gen Zs] are leaderless, partyless and tribeless. They then started hyping that the Gen Zs are embracing Matiang’i. This is a creation of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), so that he [Matiang’i] could come and divide the Opposition,” he said.

The outspoken lawyer further claimed that Matiang’i’s behavior during planned Opposition tours raised suspicion about his true intentions.

“I am saying this because of his character. An animal is known by how it speaks and walks. When we came from Mombasa, we had planned to pass by Mai Mahiu, Suswa, Narok, Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu and then Western Kenya. The person who stopped our Kisii tour is Matiang’i. He said he was not ready. We asked him; ‘do you need to prepare to visit your homeland?’”

Njiru alleged that while other leaders such as Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Martha Karua participated in the Narok rally, Matiang’i deliberately avoided the event.

“The same Monday when we were supposed to pass by Narok, we went to Narok together with His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua and H.E Kalonzo Musyoka. He refused to come to Narok. Even Her Excellency Martha Karua came to Narok. We went to Narok because we had promised the locals that we would visit the area,” he recounted.

Avoiding political heat?

Njiru also pointed out that Matiang’i’s movements have been shrouded in secrecy, unlike other Opposition figures who have faced hostility during public appearances.

“Later, he planned to visit Meru. The plan aborted. The other day, he came. No one knew whether he had come from Europe…no one knew he had returned to the country. We later saw him in Meru. Ironically, he refused we visit his place,” he explained.

He contrasted Matiang’i’s experiences with those of other Opposition leaders, suggesting that the former CS enjoys unusual protection.

“I ask myself, when we attended a church function in Murang’a, bullets were fired at us. When we attended a church function at Subukia, bullets were fired at us. We are being attacked wherever we go. Why is he [Matiang’i] not being attacked, yet he visits the same Mt Kenya region we visit?” Njiru posed.

The lawyer added that Matiang’i’s political motives remain unclear, noting: “We are seeing him, hearing him, but we are yet to know his motive.”

Uhuru’s role questioned

There have been claims in some political circles that Matiang’i could be enjoying the backing of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, Njiru dismissed the possibility of the former Head of State masterminding such a move.

“What I know is that Uhuru Kenyatta cannot do anything to betray the country or his community,” he said.

His remarks came as analysts warned that emerging cracks within the Opposition could play into the hands of President William Ruto’s administration.

Political analyst Githahu Kariuki told Newsflash: “These are signs of mistrust within the Opposition. This could derail their dream to make President William Ruto a one-term president.”

Meanwhile, Newsflash’s efforts to reach Matiang’i’s campaign secretariat for a response were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered by the time of going to press.