Matiang’i: President Ruto ‘had knowledge’ of Homa Bay violence

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i accused President William Ruto and his administration of exploiting violence as a political tactic in the aftermath of unrest in Homa Bay. Matiang’i stated that Ruto was aware of plans to deploy goons ahead of a political rally in the region. At least one police officer and a civilian were killed, 46 others injured, and six vehicles set ablaze during the unrest, which police insiders described as preventable.

Matiang’i alleged that the violence observed across the country over the weekend displayed a coordinated pattern that could only have occurred with the knowledge of the country’s security leadership. He claimed that the President and his government had chosen violence as a weapon for political survival. Matiang’i cited multiple incidents, including attacks on his team’s vehicles in Mulot and opposition leaders in Nakuru.

He warned that Kenya was descending towards anarchy if political violence remained unchecked and vowed to consult with opposition leaders to address the growing hostility in the political landscape. Additionally, Matiang’i accused the government of employing "digital terrorism," alleging targeted social media accounts of opposition figures and the use of signal-jammer-equipped vehicles at political rallies.

He blamed the government for exposing young people to criminality by exploiting them for political violence. Matiang’i expressed condolences to those who lost family members during the unrest and called for an end to political violence as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election.