Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has declared his willingness to face investigations over the controversial deaths of Jacob Juma, Chris Msando, and the victims discovered in River Yala. Speaking during a public forum, Matiang’i dismissed online accusations linking him to the high-profile killings, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his name.
“I am not afraid of any probe. If there are credible institutions that want to investigate these cases, let them do so. I will cooperate fully,” Matiang’i stated.
Jacob Juma, a vocal government critic, was shot dead in 2016 under mysterious circumstances, triggering public uproar and speculation about state involvement. In 2017, Chris Msando, an IEBC ICT manager, was tortured and murdered just days before the general election, raising fears over electoral integrity and security. The River Yala cases emerged later, with numerous unidentified bodies recovered, fueling accusations of extrajudicial killings by state agencies.
Matiang’i, who served as Interior CS during key periods surrounding these incidents, has faced renewed scrutiny on social media, with some Kenyans demanding accountability. However, the former CS defended his track record, saying he upheld the law during his tenure and never issued illegal directives.
“These are tragic events that deserve justice, not political point-scoring. I mourned with the families then, and I stand with them today in calling for the truth,” Matiang’i added.
He called on the relevant institutions, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), to reopen files on the cases and ensure justice is served without political interference.
His statement comes amid a wave of national reflection and demands for accountability following recent protests over governance and human rights.
By Kenyans