Matiang’i addresses controversial remarks in NTV’s ‘Murder Tapes’ documentary
Matiang'i addresses controversial remarks in NTV's 'Murder Tapes' documentary
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has said that a statement he made regarding the shooting of four suspected gang members in Nakuru in July 2022 was taken out of context in the ‘Murder Tapes’ documentary.
This follows “Murder Tapes, Butchers of Nakuru,” a documentary aired by NTV on May 15, which portrayed Matiang’i as if he supported the police action against the four men.
“We are going to engage these people and we will deploy presidential fire and force, and no one should lecture me about human rights,” Matiang’i reportedly said, according to the documentary.
According to the documentary, the police should be condemned for shooting the four men.
But according to the Team Matiangi Secretariat on Friday, May 16, the statement by the former CS, who has expressed interest in the presidency in the next elections, was taken out of context.
“Dr Matiang’i’s statement, as aired in the documentary, was taken out of context as he is a great believer in human rights and the rule of law,” the Team Matiang’i Secretariat statement said.
The four men were handcuffed and shot in the head and chest, according to the documentary, which accuses the police of lying about the circumstances under which the four men died.
The incident happened a month after Matiang’i, who was then Interior CS, had appointed Peter Mwanza as the Nakuru County police boss.
Some 16 days after being appointed, Mwanzo informed the media that the four were members of a gang called Nyuki Squad linked to a series of violent robberies in the county.
The four were shot dead in Kwa Maiko village in Barut area, Nakuru West sub-county, during an operation on July 14, 2022, according to the police.
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Mwanzo said the four suspects were ambushed by plainclothes officers who were conducting an operation in the wee hours on the morning they were killed. The police said they were pursuing more suspects they said had escaped with gunshot wounds.
The documentary revealed that Matiang’i made his remarks while addressing residents of Nakuru on July 22.
The Matiang’i Secretariat, in its statement, emphasised that the former CS is a strong advocate for human rights and the rule of law.
The Secretariat further stated that they empathise with the affected families and are aware that the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the matter.
The statement also emphasised Matiang’i’s record in public service, noting his contributions to security reforms, education sector improvements, and digital transformation during his tenure.
The Secretariat urged the media to maintain integrity and avoid politically driven narratives, calling for balanced and factual reporting, especially as the country approaches the election period.
During the operation, the police also announced recovering 30 arrows, SIM cards, phones, crude weapons and bhang that had reportedly been planted in the suspects’ neighbourhood in Kelelwet, Nakuru West.
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