Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i will not be shielded from accountability if credible investigations link him to past human rights violations and extrajudicial killings.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, during a TV interview, Kalonzo stressed that no leader should be immune from scrutiny, adding that every individual must answer for their “omissions and commissions.”
“I don’t believe in hypocrisy. Every person will be held to account on their own actions. If I find that Dr. Fred Matiang’i was responsible for killings and abuse of human rights, I will call him out,” Kalonzo said.
The remarks come amid renewed public debate on extrajudicial killings, particularly the recovery of bodies in River Yala during Matiang’i’s tenure at the powerful Interior Ministry.
Matiang’i Defends His Record
Matiang’i, now part of the United Opposition, has consistently denied involvement in human rights abuses. In a separate interview on July 1, 2025, he said allegations against him should be based on “concrete facts” rather than political convenience.
“I have said before, if there are excesses committed during our tenure at Interior, let them be made public. Investigations should show who was responsible instead of blanket accusations,” Matiang’i stated.
On the River Yala case, Matiang’i reiterated that investigations were already initiated before he left office. “It is easy to throw blame when politically convenient. But let the matter be investigated openly. If someone says it is me, I can be held accountable,” he added.
Accountability in Focus
Kalonzo’s firm stance highlights the delicate balance within the opposition, where calls for justice must be weighed against political alliances. His message was clear: accountability should not depend on political loyalty but on truth and evidence.
This development keeps the River Yala killings in the national spotlight, with Kenyans awaiting conclusive findings from investigative agencies.
