Fred Matiangi is back in the country and wants to be president in 2027. But as Kenyans cry out against police killings and state violence, he has chosen to keep quiet. That silence has left many wondering. Is Matiangi a coward who fears upsetting the powerful? Or is he guilty because he knows these killings are not new?
During the Jubilee government, Matiangi served as Interior CS. At the time, Kenyans were also killed by police. In fact, the River Yala killings still haunt many families. Dozens of bodies were found dumped in the river. Some had missing parts. Others had signs of torture. Yet those cases were never fully explained. No justice came. And Matiangi, who was in charge then, did not speak out strongly.
Now, under the current government, young protesters are being shot during peaceful demonstrations. The President even said police should shoot violent protesters in the leg. The new Interior CS echoed those orders. Again, Matiangi said nothing. Not even a simple message to comfort the families. He did not show up at any funeral. He did not tweet. He did not speak. He just watched.
People are starting to ask tough questions. If Matiangi speaks now, will people remind him of what happened when he was in charge? Is he afraid that by pointing fingers, others will point them back at him? That is what guilt looks like.
Ex-CS for Interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i gestures during a past event. Photo: Tuko Source: Facebook
Or maybe he is just being careful. Maybe he fears saying something that will anger the current rulers. Maybe he thinks silence will protect his dreams of becoming president. That is what cowardice looks like.
Either way, Kenyans are disappointed. A leader cannot stay silent when people are being killed. A leader cannot hide when the nation is in pain.
In times like these, silence is not strength. It is a choice. And Matiangi’s choice to stay silent is loud enough. Guilty or coward? Kenyans are watching. And they will not forget.
