Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has reflected on one of the most iconic moments in Kenya’s political history — the day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga swore himself in as the “People’s President” at Uhuru Park.
Speaking in a media interview with Citizen TV on Friday, Matiang’i described the January 30, 2018, event as the greatest test of his career as the country’s security chief.
He noted, however, that it was a test they managed to pass, despite the presence of thousands of supporters at the venue.
“When Raila went to swear himself in at Uhuru Park, it was the greatest test for me as the Minister for Security. We discussed the issue with other members of the security council and agreed that it was a test we had to pass,” Matiang’i said.
“It was a test we passed, because not a single shot was fired despite there being almost 7,000 people in the field.”
He revealed that ahead of the ceremony, security chiefs held extensive discussions and agreed that the only way to manage the situation was to ensure no bloodshed.
“We had assured ourselves that it was a test we had to pass. And we did, because no shots were fired,” Matiang’i recalled.
The self-swearing ceremony came just months after Kenya’s disputed 2017 elections.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had been sworn in for a second term after winning a repeat poll in October, which Raila boycotted.
The opposition leader, insisting he was the rightful winner of the first annulled election, staged his own symbolic oath-taking at Uhuru Park, complete with thousands of cheering supporters and a Bible in hand.
At the time, the government had warned against the event. Media outlets covering it were briefly shut down.
Reflecting on Raila himself, Matiang’i noted that beyond the political brinkmanship, the ODM leader carried an aura of lightheartedness that defused tension even in difficult times.
“What always amazed me about Raila Odinga was that every time we met, even during difficult moments, there was never a time he failed to laugh or make a light-hearted joke about it,” Matiang’i said.
“There was no hatred between us. For me, it was duty. And for him, politics was never a matter of hatred or blood.”
The Uhuru Park event remains a defining chapter in the country’s political history.
The former Prime Minister died on October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is among the top leaders who have expressed condolences to the family following the loss.
Earlier on Friday morning, he joined other leaders and citizens at Parliament Buildings to pay his last respects to the late veteran leader. He also attended the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
In a solemn moment of reflection, Matiang’i honoured the legacy of a patriot whose unwavering fight for democracy and justice helped shape the course of Kenya’s history.
