Kenyan lawyer and political activist Miguna Miguna has strongly dismissed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential ambitions, arguing that Matiang’i is unfit for public office due to what he describes as a history of abuse of power and impunity.
In a Sunday interview with Citizen TV, Miguna accused Matiang’i of embodying the worst abuses of Kenya’s security and governance systems, pointing to personal experiences such as his 2018 abduction, forced exile, and the destruction of his property.
“Dr. Matiang’i exemplified the abuse of power in its purest form,” Miguna said. “The River Yala murders, abductions he orchestrated, the destruction of my house, my kidnapping and detention without communication—all in defiance of multiple court orders.”
Miguna, who was deported in 2018 after participating in the mock swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga, claimed Matiang’i oversaw his sedation and forced removal from Kenya, leaving him unconscious in Dubai. He also accused Matiang’i of preventing his return through the use of unlawful “red alerts.”
“Dr. Matiang’i was convicted on March 28, 2018, by Justice Odunga and sentenced the following day. He never complied with the court’s orders,” Miguna said, also citing Justice Chacha Mwita’s ruling that found Matiang’i culpable for serious violations of the law.
He criticized President William Ruto’s administration for failing to implement court rulings and hold former officials accountable.
“Ruto’s regime is not interested in ensuring justice is served,” he said. “People like Matiang’i, Karanja Kibicho, Said Kiprotich, and former DCI boss George Kinoti should have been jailed for defying court orders.”
Legal Action and Claims for Compensation
Miguna revealed that he has active legal cases in Kenya seeking compensation from Matiang’i and other officials over his arrest, detention, deportation, and prolonged exile.
“I’ve sued Matiang’i and others for damages stemming from torture, illegal arrest and detention, and preventing my return for five years,” he said. “I’m pursuing substantial compensation from both the individuals and the state.”
He also accused President Ruto of breaking promises made to him after his return to Kenya in 2022.
“Ruto assured me that former Attorney-General Justin Muturi would resolve these issues. Like many of his promises, nothing came of it,” Miguna claimed.
Miguna concluded by calling on Kenyans to reject leaders linked to past abuses if they hope to achieve meaningful change.
“We cannot accept or promote individuals like Matiang’i, who have been found unfit to hold office and have never faced accountability,” he said.
In a recent Citizen TV interview, Matiang’i denied any wrongdoing during his tenure, saying his actions were carried out within the scope of national security duties.
“I’ve always respected the law—even as a minister, I wasn’t above it,” Matiang’i said. “If anyone believes I’ve done something wrong, they should report it to the DCI or any investigative agency.”
