Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of losing control over governance, corruption, and public safety. Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Wednesday, Matiang’i said the government had failed to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law.
He cited recent cases of Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were reportedly abducted in Kampala, Uganda, as evidence of the state’s weakened foreign and security policy. Matiang’i condemned the government’s silence on their whereabouts, terming it a “shameful display of complacency.”
“It’s shameful what’s happening in our country, citizens like Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo arrested by a neighbouring government, while our officials, including the Foreign Affairs Minister, can’t even say where they are,” Matiang’i said.
When asked about similar issues during his tenure at the Interior Ministry, Matiang’i insisted that every administration must take responsibility for ongoing injustices. He urged the government to conclude investigations into unsolved cases such as the River Yala murders and hold any culpable officials accountable.
Turning to corruption, the former CS accused the Ruto administration of double standards in fighting graft, saying weak enforcement had allowed ‘wash wash’ money laundering networks to thrive. He noted that Kenya’s continued classification as a high-risk jurisdiction for money laundering and terrorism financing reflected poor oversight.
On education, Matiang’i expressed concern over the prolonged lecturers’ strike, which has disrupted learning in universities for over 40 days. He lamented that progress made during his tenure had been reversed, citing a resurgence of exam cheating and disorganisation in the sector.
He also warned that the government’s lax approach to gun licensing and failure to enforce mental assessments for firearm holders had contributed to rising violent crimes and suicides.
