Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has distanced himself from the unresolved River Yala killings, stating that investigations into the matter had begun during his tenure and urging for a public inquest to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time in an interview aired on Citizen TV on Tuesday, Matiang’i refuted claims linking him to the deaths, which involved at least 36 bodies discovered in the River Yala in 2021. The shocking revelations by human rights group International Justice Mission drew national and international concern, with questions raised over possible state involvement or cover-ups.
“When the reports came out in 2021, we asked the Inspector General of Police, Hilary Mutyambai, to explain what was happening,” Matiang’i stated. “We also directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to visit the scene and begin investigations.”
He emphasized that a police file was opened and that the DCI had begun work before he left government. He stressed that he had no hand in halting or interfering with the probe and insisted that police authorities acted independently.
“As a minister, I would have nothing to do with the file. The police service is independent. I did not leave the government with the file, and I do not control it,” he said.
Matiang’i dismissed accusations of a cover-up, arguing that such claims were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his name whenever he re-enters the public eye. He also compared the allegations to blaming him for every crime that occurred while he was in office.
“If I were responsible for a crime committed by a police officer, then I should also be blamed for every road accident or robbery that happened when I was minister. That’s not how it works,” he noted.
Calling for a public inquest, Matiang’i said he is ready to testify under oath and urged other security officials who served during that time to do the same.
To date, no arrests have been made, and investigations into the River Yala killings appear to have stalled.
