Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has announced his bid to contest for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i, during his public engagements while trying to endear himself to the electorate, has fashioned himself as a better alternative to President William Ruto, poking holes in his leadership.
However, as he seeks support, Matiang’i’s reputation has been scrutinised, with police excesses and some deemed controversial directives during his tenure as a Cabinet Secretary coming back to haunt him.
This publication lists some of the scandals that have been linked to the presidential hopeful that might dent his chance of succeeding President Ruto.
1. 2018 Ruaraka Land Scandal (2018).
While serving as Education Cabinet Secretary, Matiang’i oversaw the KSh 3.2 billion irregular payment for 13.5 acres in Ruaraka, Nairobi, for Ruaraka High and Drive-In Primary schools.
In 2020, EACC blamed Matiang’i for the loss of KSh 1. 5 billion in the Ruaraka school land saga.
The anti-graft agency halted the payment of KSh 1.7 billion, citing fraud and public land misuse.
2. 2018 mercury sugar scandal
While serving as Interior CS, Matiang’i was accused of political interference in the seizure of sugar imports from Egypt, which were alleged to contain mercury.
Matiang’i allegedly shielded cartels, despite the sugar being unsafe.
Even though no direct evidence has linked Matiang’i to criminal wrongdoing, the case remains under review.
3. Human Rights Abuses
Still, while the Interior CS, Matiang’i faced accusations of overseeing extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses.
This includes the killing of Baby Pendo in 2017, the murder of Kianjokoma brothers in 2021, and the discovery of bodies in River Yala.
Nevertheless, no verified evidence or formal investigations have directly implicated Matiang’i in the police excesses.
4. KSh 6.5 billion IDP compensation scandal
Further, Matiang’i was sued over the alleged embezzlement of KSh 6.5 billion meant for compensating Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Kisii and Nyamira counties.
It is alleged that the compensation process was marred by corruption and cartel activity with the funds paid to nonexistent IDPs and boda boda riders.
The case is still active in court.
5. Publication of False Information and Conspiracy Allegations
The DCI investigated Matiang’i for allegedly publishing false information and conspiracy to commit a felony regarding a purported police raid on his Karen home in February 2023.
The presidential hopeful was accused of falsely claiming that a large police contingent had raided his residence, allegedly to cause panic and chaos.