Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using political violence to intimidate opponents, claiming that the authorities were aware of plans to mobilise groups ahead of a political rally in Homa Bay. Matiang’i said a series of violent incidents reported in different parts of the country over the weekend suggested a coordinated pattern rather than isolated occurrences.
Matiang’i Questions Security Intelligence
Speaking about the incidents, Matiang’i cited the stoning of two vehicles belonging to his team in Mulot, attacks targeting opposition leaders in Nakuru and incidents reported in Salgaa before violence was witnessed in Homa Bay. The former Interior CS questioned how such incidents could occur on a large scale without the knowledge of senior security officials.
Drawing from his experience in the Interior Ministry, Matiang’i argued that the President receives regular security and intelligence briefings and should therefore have been aware of developments surrounding the Homa Bay rally. He warned that continued political violence could push the country towards instability, describing the situation as a dangerous stage in Kenya’s political environment.
Calls for Opposition Consultations
Matiang’i said he plans to engage other opposition leaders on possible ways of responding to what he described as an increasingly hostile political environment. He maintained that political disagreements should never be used to justify violence against citizens or political opponents. The former CS also sent condolences to families affected by the weekend incidents and called for an end to political violence.
Claims of ‘Digital Terrorism’
Matiang’i further accused the government of what he termed “digital terrorism,” alleging that social media accounts associated with opposition figures were being targeted. He also claimed that opposition politicians had encountered vehicles equipped with signal-jamming technology during political rallies. According to Matiang’i, the sophisticated equipment would require significant resources to deploy, prompting him to question who was behind its alleged use.
Allegations Over Youth Mobilisation
The former Interior CS also accused the government of exploiting young people by allegedly involving them in political violence and criminal activities. He argued that using young people in such activities risks exposing them to long-term social and economic consequences.
Matiang’i’s remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition figures increasingly raising concerns over alleged intimidation and the use of organised groups during political events. The allegations have added to growing political tensions in the country, with calls from various quarters for security agencies to protect the right to peaceful political participation and ensure that political differences do not result in violence.
