Matiang’i: I have truth on the ghosts of River Yala

By Newsflash Writer

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i now says he is prepared to disclose what he knows about the extrajudicial killings linked to River Yala and the dumping of bodies during his time under President Uhuru Kenyatta.

However, he insists he should not be the only one held accountable, and that the truth-seeking process must extend from independence in 1963 to the present day.

Dr Matiang’i, who served as acting Interior CS in December 2015 and was officially appointed in January 2018, held the post until September 13, 2022, when President William Ruto assumed office. He has now indicated he is ready to reveal sensitive information on high-profile killings such as those of Sergeant Kipyegon Kenei (2020), IEBC ICT official Chris Msando (2017), and gold trader Jacob Juma (2016).

The River Yala body dumps are believed to have started around 2019 and peaked in 2022 near the end of Kenyatta’s presidency. Sergeant Kenei, attached to then Deputy President Ruto’s office, was found dead in Nairobi in February 2020.

Initially ruled a suicide, a DCI investigation later declared it a murder tied to a fake arms deal. Former DCI boss George Kinoti said Kenei was killed to shield powerful figures and cover up the scandal.

Msando’s body was discovered on July 29, 2017, alongside a young woman from Kiambu. Msando, then heading ICT at the IEBC, was murdered days before the general election. Juma’s body was found in May 2016 along Ngong Road in Nairobi after he openly condemned state corruption.

Matiang’i insists the real answers lie in comprehensive investigations spanning several administrations. “We must be honest with ourselves and take responsibility for our roles. We shouldn’t limit this inquiry to recent cases. Let’s launch a full, public inquest into everything that’s happened over the decades. Sixty-two years after independence, we cannot continue like this,” he said in a June 26, 2025, statement.

Not just me — Everyone must account

He added that truth and justice around Msando, Juma, Kenei, and River Yala will only emerge through public inquests involving all relevant figures. He condemned selective narratives and urged for an end to what he called “a cycle of convenient storytelling.”

Dr Matiang’i, seen as a likely 2027 presidential contender with backing from former President Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party under Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, has also aligned with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Rigathi Gachagua, and opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and George Natembeya in an anti-Ruto coalition.

While he has yet to formally declare his 2027 bid, political analysts believe he may choose a Mt Kenya running mate. However, his tenure at the Interior Ministry — and the River Yala killings — has cast a shadow, especially among younger voters.

In recent weeks, Matiang’i faced criticism for comments following the deaths of teacher-blogger Albert Ojwang and vendor Boniface Kariuki, both allegedly killed by police.

On June 26, alongside Musyoka and Wamalwa, Matiang’i condemned the killing of at least 15 people during protests held to mark the 2024 police brutality victims. He now believes he is being unfairly targeted for his past record on human rights.

“Rather than endlessly reliving these tragedies, we must ask how to prevent them from happening again,” he said, implying the roots of the problem go back decades.

According to Dr Charles Mwangi of JKUAT, “Matiang’i is essentially saying he shouldn’t be singled out to answer for what he sees as a systemic pattern of state-sanctioned killings.”

On the June 25 protests, Matiang’i said political killings and violations of rights have long been part of Kenya’s history. “Things happen and are later used for political gain. The three of us — Musyoka, Wamalwa and I — have all held senior Cabinet positions. Musyoka was even Vice President. We must own our truths and speak openly.”

He expressed concern that national security had been politicized, distancing himself from what he called “elder wisdom” being replaced by posturing.

Professionalism and transparency

Matiang’i called for professionalism, openness, and transparency in managing internal security. “Let’s not stop at recent abuses. Let’s investigate all governments. Let those who served, including Wamalwa on the National Security Council, come forward.”

He urged an open judicial inquiry before a judge or magistrate, saying everyone with information should participate. “Kenya cannot move forward without truth and justice. We must practice accountability. We can’t demand it from others when we aren’t willing to be accountable ourselves.”

Matiang’i said the youth-led Gen Z protests are a sign that something is deeply wrong. “After what happened on June 25, how can anyone pretend things are normal? Let’s admit there’s a problem. We can’t run a country through social media commentary — it simply doesn’t work.”

He urged the current administration to stop performing online and instead focus on addressing Kenya’s real and urgent issues.