Fred Matiang’i’s Presidential Bid Threatened by Legal Action Over River Yala Deaths

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s potential 2027 presidential aspirations are now under threat, as Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against him. Odhiambo, speaking on Thursday, July 3, accused Matiang’i of presiding over a “reign of terror” that resulted in the discovery of dozens of tortured bodies in River Yala between 2021 and 2022, asserting that this renders him unfit for the presidency.

In a press statement, Odhiambo revealed his intention to pursue legal action aimed at holding Matiang’i personally accountable for the alleged extrajudicial killings.

“Being an MP for Gem Constituency, I have been deeply perturbed by the arrogance and contempt with which the former Interior CS Dr Fred Matiang’i treated the questions in his role as CS in the dumping of bodies into River Yala in Gem Constituency in the run up to the 2022 General Elections,” the statement read in part.

Odhiambo emphasized Matiang’i’s direct responsibility as the then-Interior CS. “Matiang’i was the CS in charge of internal security, and cannot therefore escape accountability. The families of all those who were brutally murdered and dumped in River Yala are yet to get justice as he is walking free without any answer to these very chilling occurrences that took place under his watch,” the statement continued.

The grim discoveries in River Yala came to public light between July 2021 and January 2022, when human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, documented the recovery of over 400 bodies, many bearing signs of torture, strangulation, and gunshot wounds.

According to Odhiambo, the fact that Matiang’i was the Interior CS during this period and no arrests have been made demonstrates incompetence. He argues that Matiang’i’s failure to act or explain these events constitutes criminal negligence.

The MP confirmed that plans are already underway, including a petition to officially bar Matiang’i from contesting in the 2027 general election. Other avenues for accountability being explored by the lawmaker include summoning Matiang’i before Parliament and pushing for a public inquiry into the incidents.

“Further, we are considering putting pressure on the office of the DPP to institute mass murder charges against Matiang’i and all those who worked with him during that particular period, including the members of the SSU police unit that was disbanded by President William Ruto,” Odhiambo’s statement concluded.

On his part, Matiang’i, who recently announced his interest in the country’s top seat, has denied any wrongdoing. In a recent interview on Citizen TV, he called for a public inquest and insisted that investigations into the River Yala cases were ongoing when he left office.

“I didn’t leave with the file. It was a police matter. I’m ready to testify before a judge and say what I know,” he affirmed.