Dr. Fred Matiang’i, former Interior Cabinet Secretary and declared 2027 presidential hopeful, has issued a firm response to NTV’s documentary “Murder Tapes: The Butchers of Nakuru”, which links police officers to the extrajudicial killings of four young men.
The exposé, which aired recently, alleges that the four victims were handcuffed before being shot at close range.
Police officials later claimed the men were armed criminals affiliated with the so-called Nyuki Squad, a gang accused of violent crimes in Nakuru.
At the time, Peter Mwanzo, then only two weeks into his tenure as Nakuru County Police Commander, defended the operation as necessary.
Controversy quickly followed when the documentary resurfaced a past statement by Matiang’i, in which he was quoted saying, “We will deploy unprecedented fire and force. I can’t be lectured on human rights by anyone.”
In a statement released by the Team Matiang’i Secretariat, the former minister dismissed the documentary’s portrayal of his remarks as misleading.
The statement emphasized his longstanding commitment to the rule of law and human rights, citing his track record as a civil servant.
“Dr. Matiang’i’s career is grounded in reform — from the digital migration of broadcasting to educational overhauls and improved public service delivery,” the statement read.
“His work in the security sector included significant investments in police housing, equipment, and restructuring command systems to enhance efficiency and accountability.”
The Secretariat also expressed sympathy for the bereaved families and acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
They urged the public to await the outcome of the probe rather than rush to judgment.
Additionally, Team Matiang’i cautioned against what they termed as politically motivated journalism ahead of the 2027 elections.
While affirming the importance of media in democratic accountability, the statement warned against narratives that sacrifice accuracy for political gain.
“We respect the media’s watchdog role,” the statement concluded, “but the truth should not be distorted to fit an election-season agenda. Responsible journalism is vital to protecting both democracy and justice.”
As the IPOA probe continues, public attention remains fixed on the unfolding political and legal implications of the documentary and the broader issue of police accountability.
By Newsmedia