Matiang’i: No way political goonism happens without Ruto’s knowledge

Jubilee Party presidential flag bearer Fred Matiang’i has stated that large-scale political violence and the activities of suspected goons in Kenya cannot occur without the knowledge of President William Ruto. Making these remarks during a media address on August 17, 2026, Matiang’i linked the violent incidents during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay and recent goon-related activities to the lack of transparency and oversight in the senior government ranks.

Drawing from his past experience as a former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Matiang’i expressed disbelief in the scale of these incidents happening without the president's awareness, noting that the president is regularly briefed on such matters.

Matiang’i's remarks come as political parties ramp up their mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election, raising growing concerns over the increasing incidence of political violence. He questioned the rationale behind preventing political groups from campaigning in areas where they seek to gain support, emphasizing the importance of allowing Kenyans the freedom to listen to diverse political messages and make their own choices.

"If Linda Wananchi was going to Homa Bay to have a rally, they were not carrying away the residents of Homa Bay. They were coming to talk to the residents of Homa Bay and go away," he emphasized.

The presidential candidate also posed critical questions about the justification for such levels of violence during political gatherings, asking whether political differences could truly serve as a reason for the chaos witnessed. Matiang’i highlighted broader security concerns, citing reports from international organizations and investors that have expressed worries about Kenya's stability as it approaches the 2027 elections.

He shared discussions with several ambassadors, all of whom, according to him, expressed similar concerns about how Kenya is currently being managed. Matiang’i urged both young Kenyans and political leaders to critically evaluate whether the present method of political competition is sustainable. "Do you actually think this is the way we should run our country? Do you think this is the way we should manage our country?" he posed to the public.