Wamuzi News Ke
In a stunning political escalation today, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of peddling lies and failing to act decisively in the wake of the June 25 protests. His comments, made in Bungoma County, mark a sharp and rare critique from within the Kenya Kwanza fold, as he challenged the government to deliver on security and accountability.
“If You Know Who Paid Them, Arrest Them Now”
Addressing a large crowd on Friday, Matiang’i targeted government claims that opposition forces orchestrated the June 25 unrest. “Government employees cannot come out and say that there are people who are more powerful than them… Are they telling us they are irredeemably incompetent?” he demanded. He accused the administration of dragging its feet over evidence it claimed to possess. “If people are paying goons, the government must know them. They cannot now say that the opposition paid them. Why haven’t you arrested them? These are lies,” he said under thunderous applause.
Call for Security Over Spin
Matiang’i’s hard-hitting remarks extended beyond accusations. He urged the government to prioritize security. “It’s time to do your work properly instead of spinning stories to smear opposition leaders,” he said emphatically. He warned that politicizing security would only deepen divisions and compromise national stability .
Context: Fallout from June 25 Protests
The June 25 protests, largely organized by Gen Z activists demanding better governance, turned violent when scuffles erupted between protestors and police. The government labeled the incident a riot and claimed the opposition paid “goons” to intensify the unrest. But Matiang’i, once Ruto’s ally, now says these accusations lack substance, calling them fabrication designed to deflect from the state’s failure to maintain order .
A Rift Within the Ruling Coalition
Matiang’i’s open criticism is more than political theater—it signals a fracture within the ruling coalition. As a former Cabinet heavyweight with deep roots in Ruto’s government, his defection on this issue highlights internal tensions and growing pressure within Kenya Kwanza ranks.
WSenior leaders and party insiders have remained silent so far, but analysts view Matiang’i’s remarks as an alarm bell—an insider’s verdict that the ship of state may be drifting off course.
What’s Next: Demands for Action
Matiang’i didn’t stop at criticism. He put the administration on notice: if the government truly possessed evidence of the instigators behind June 25’s violence, they must be brought to justice.
His challenge is stark and simple: no more public relations posturing—deliver arrests, publish prosecution details, and let the courts handle the stolen peace.
Outlook: Governing Credibility at Stake
As Saba Saba Day on July 7 approaches—commemorated as a symbol of democratic resistance—today’s warning could set the tone for the coming holiday. With activists gearing up for fresh protests, the government’s response to Matiang’i’s challenge may prove decisive.
Will the president’s administration respond with transparency and arrests—or will the accusations be brushed aside, deepening concerns over double standards in governance?
This breaking confrontation between Matiang’i and the government he once served adds urgency to national debate. Kenya stands at a crossroads between accountability and political dismissal—and the next move from State House could determine the country’s direction.
