Speech that put Matiang’i in trouble
Matiang'i speech at the funeral of George Magoha seems to have rattled the government renewing his longtime trouble with William Ruto
Matiang’i speech at the funeral of George Magoha seems to have rattled the government renewing his longtime trouble with William Ruto.
On February 4, 2023, Fred Matiang’i, former Interior Cabinet Secretary, spoke at a funeral service of a fallen former Education CS, George Magoha.
During his speech, Matiang’i made some controversial remarks that put him in trouble with the government.
He accused certain individuals of being dishonest and claiming credit for initiatives launched by the government while President Uhuru Kenyatta was in power.
Matiang’i especially referenced the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) and the addition of 20,000 classrooms to the school infrastructure, claiming that these were plans made with the World Bank by President Kenyatta and that no one should claim credit for them.
The current Deputy President, William Ruto, is thought to be taking credit for some of the government’s accomplishments, hence Matiang’i’s comments were taken as an attack on him.
Given the conflict between Ruto and Kenyatta, Matiang’i’s remarks were interpreted as siding with the former President.
Days later, on February 8, Matiang’i’s home was allegedly raided by the police.
His lawyers, led by Danstan Omari, claimed that his life was in danger and rushed to his rescue.
The following day, the High Court granted Matiang’i a KSh200,000 anticipatory bail to protect him from alleged plans by the State to arrest him.
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On February 15, a contingent of armed police officers raided Matiang’i’s home in Karen, reportedly breaking the padlock and conducting a search.
His lawyer claimed that the police officers conducted a raid without a court order, and Matiang’i was not at the home at the time.
On March 6, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned Matiang’i over allegations of publishing false information.
He was accused of spreading false information about an alleged invasion and raid of his residence by a “battalion” and/or “garrison” of police officers on February 8-9, 2023.
Matiang’i is now awaiting his court date, subject to a final decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
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