NAIROBI, Kenya — Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei has launched a scathing attack on former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, dismissing his newly signalled presidential ambition and accusing him of past abuses during his tenure in the Jubilee administration.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Senator Cherargei claimed that Matiang’i lacked the moral authority to seek the country’s top office, citing what he referred to as “political persecution, illegal directives, and disregard for court orders” during the former minister’s tenure.
“Matiang’i, before you run for presidency — which you shall be the last to attempt — the public needs to know why you ignored multiple court orders, carried out political persecution, oversaw extra-judicial killings like the Yala killings, switched off media houses, and withdrew bodyguards of politicians you didn’t like in the previous administration,” Cherargei said.
“This hypocrisy is not sellable in Kenya.”
His remarks come just days after Matiang’i hinted at a possible presidential run in 2027, signalling his return to public life after years of silence following the transition of power in 2022.
The former CS, who rose to prominence for his assertive style in the Ministry of Education and later the Ministry of Interior, has recently re-engaged with public forums and political commentary, fuelling speculation over his next political step.
While Cherargei is a prominent ally of President William Ruto, his criticisms echo long-standing grievances from Kenya Kwanza leaders who accused Matiang’i and the former security apparatus of targeting Ruto’s allies during the final years of the Uhuru Kenyatta administration.
Among the claims revived by Cherargei are:
- Alleged defiance of court orders against opposition and Kenya Kwanza-aligned politicians.
- Controversial crackdowns during election-related protests.
- The 2018 media shutdown, when several TV stations were switched off during the mock swearing-in of Raila Odinga.
- Withdrawal of security officers from selected political leaders seen as hostile to the government of the day.
- Unresolved allegations surrounding bodies found in River Yala, a matter that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has previously denied linking to state agencies.
Matiang’i, however, has consistently defended his record, arguing that all actions taken under his docket were guided by law, national security interests, and Cabinet decisions made collectively under former President Kenyatta’s leadership. He has never been formally indicted on any of the allegations raised by Cherargei.
Political analysts suggest that Cherargei’s remarks signal early resistance from Kenya Kwanza should Matiang’i attempt a 2027 bid, especially if he aligns with the opposition.
They also note that the former CS commands a constituency of supporters who credit him with reforms in education, public sector efficiency, and firm national security management.
As Kenya heads toward another highly competitive election cycle, the resurfacing of past grievances and narratives around accountability is expected to shape political alignments, with Matiang’i’s next steps likely to attract both scrutiny and support.
