Explosive Allegations Against Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i Surface on Social Media
A series of serious allegations against former Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i have emerged in a viral social media thread by prominent gospel musician and activist Rueben Kigame. The claims, which have sparked widespread discussion online, accuse Matiang'i of involvement in various scandals during his tenure.
Kigame’s thread accuses Matiang’i of involvement in multiple scandals, including corruption, abuse of power, and personal misconduct. The allegations suggest that Matiang’i, once a prominent figure under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, engaged in questionable financial dealings and leveraged his position for personal gain. Kigame, known for his outspoken activism, reportedly provided specific instances of alleged mismanagement within the Interior Ministry, though concrete evidence remains unverified.
The thread also revisits past controversies surrounding Matiang’i, including a 2018 defamation case brought against blogger Cyprian Nyakundi. Nyakundi was charged for publishing offensive information about Matiang’i on Twitter, with claims linking the former CS to an extramarital affair. Although Matiang’i denied the allegations and demanded an apology from The Standard newspaper for a gossip column implicating him, the renewed claims by Kigame have brought these issues back into the public eye.
Matiang’i, a staunch Seventh Day Adventist and church elder, has previously faced accusations of impropriety, which he dismissed as attempts to tarnish his reputation. His spokesman, Mwenda Njoka, in 2018, argued that media reports deliberately targeted Matiang’i’s character, citing his “no-nonsense” and “strong Christian” persona. However, Kigame’s thread alleges that Matiang’i’s public image as a principled leader was a facade, masking deeper issues of governance and ethics.
Kigame’s accusations have gained traction due to his credibility as a public figure and his history of challenging authority. The thread reportedly calls for accountability, urging authorities to investigate Matiang’i’s actions during his time in office. It also highlights alleged attempts by Matiang’i to suppress critics, referencing Nyakundi’s 2018 arrest and subsequent legal battles as evidence of efforts to silence dissent.
Matiang’i, who deactivated his X account in 2022 after serving as Interior CS, has not yet responded to the latest allegations. During his tenure, he was credited with reducing terror attacks, combating Female Genital Mutilation, and improving educational transitions, but critics argue his legacy is overshadowed by authoritarian tactics and unaddressed scandals. The claims remain unverified, and Kigame’s thread has been met with both support and skepticism on X. Some users praise his boldness in confronting powerful figures, while others caution against spreading unconfirmed information. As the story develops, it underscores the ongoing tension between public accountability and the challenges of verifying explosive allegations in the digital age.