After another election cycle that saw politicians being harassed by police officers, a section of the political front has called for Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiangi’s impeachment.
The Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has led the calls for the interior minister to be shown the door. This was after his dramatic arrest while observing an election in the just concluded Bonchari By-elections.
His position was spirited by Raila Odinga’s condemnation of police abuse, where officers intimidated opponents.
“What we have witnessed in the by-elections in Bonchari and Juja is an abuse of police powers and an arrogant display of IMPUNITY by a few overzealous and bellicose government functionaries,” the ODM leader Tweeted.
He urged the Police to not be swayed into selfish political gains, but serve the people in fairness and respect.
“Security forces exist to serve the people and not the interests of those out to conduct political experiments.”
ODM leader of Minority John Mbadi however, urged caution among legislators, to avoid compromising the existing handshake deal between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.
Why Uhuru’s Cabinet Without Matiang’i ‘wont happen’
Dr. Fred Matiangi has been regarded by many as the most hard working ‘Super CS’ who’s departments have performed extremely well.
His demeanor as a no-nonsense government official has for long labelled him as an agent of the ‘deep state’.
In the midst of political wrangles between Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, Dr. Matiang’i has come under sharp criticism for being given roles that belonged to the deputy president.
He chairs important cabinet meetings that would normally be spearheaded by DP Ruto.
In one instance, there was chatter in October 2020 following what was seen as a protocol breach when President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived at the Manyani Airstrip to chair a cabinet retreat.
Matiang’i received the President in the presence of Ruto, sparking an online storm over the role of the Deputy President.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen took to social media to respond.
“The Deputy President Fred Matiangi receiving the President thereafter introduce other Cabinet members. Those of us who didn’t witness the last days of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta ‘will see things’ in the next 22 months,” he tweeted.
Despite these open signs, it may be impossible to unseat the cabinet minister. Dr. Matiang’i has been seen as a key ally in politically keeping the South Nyanza vote.
The community has seemingly lacked a political flag since the retirement of the super politician cum presidential candidate Mzee Simeon Nyachae.
Upon his retirement, Matiang’i is rumored to be gunning for a political post in the region that has suffered from under development under the tenure of previous governors.
