NAIROBI, Kenya — Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i has warned that Kenya risks sliding into anarchy unless the government urgently addresses rising crime and political violence.
Speaking at ATG Deliverance Chapel in Kamulu, Nairobi County, on Sunday, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary said recent attacks involving armed youths at political rallies and public places point to a deteriorating security situation that requires immediate State intervention.
“I understand the security sector like the back of my hand. I can tell from what we are seeing that we are losing the country to anarchy and sliding to chaos,” Matiang’i said.
He urged leaders across the political divide to recognise that insecurity affects both those in government and the opposition.
“We have a stake, whether you are in government or the opposition, because when things go south, we will all suffer equally,” he said.
Security concerns
Matiang’i cautioned that political violence could become difficult to contain if decisive action is not taken ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He questioned the government’s ability to combat armed criminal groups, arguing that security agencies should be equally effective in preventing violence as they are in investigating other offences.
“If the government has resources to know that you are criticizing them and abduct you, where are those resources when someone is buying batons and pangas to go and kill citizens?” he posed.
He further warned that even leaders currently enjoying State protection would not be immune if insecurity escalates.
“Those in government, you might feel nice that you are being guarded, but when the country slides into chaos, you will also be a victim of the chaos,” he said.
Kisii attack
Matiang’i’s remarks follow Friday’s attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy in Keumbu, Kisii County, where armed youths ambushed opposition leaders travelling to a political rally in Keroka.
Among those caught in the incident was former Chief Justice and presidential aspirant David Maraga, whose convoy was attacked as it travelled along the Kisii–Keroka road.
The violence left one person dead after sustaining injuries during the attack.
Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with the incident, while detectives have summoned Zaheer Jhanda to record a statement as investigations continue.
Rising urban crime
The former Interior CS also linked his concerns to recent incidents of armed robbery in Nairobi.
On Saturday night, gunmen robbed customers at a restaurant in Westlands, stealing valuables before fleeing.
The incident occurred barely a month after another restaurant in the same area was targeted by robbers, raising fresh concerns over urban insecurity.