Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i is under renewed scrutiny after Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo, on July 3, demanded accountability over the dumping of bodies in River Yala between 2021 and 2022.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 3, Odhiambo accused Dr. Matiang’i of ignoring serious questions about his role in what he described as “extra-judicial killings and dumping of bodies” in River Yala, Siaya County, during his tenure.
Bodies Found with Signs of Torture in River Yala
The MP said at least 40 bodies were discovered in the river, which runs through his constituency, yet no concrete action has been taken against those responsible.
“Dr. Matiang’i was the Cabinet Secretary in charge of internal security and cannot therefore escape accountability,” said Odhiambo, calling his silence on the matter arrogant and contemptuous.
Odhiambo cited reports by Amnesty International and other human rights organisations which documented the discovery of the bodies between July 2021 and January 2022.
At least 31 of the remains were recovered from the River Yala. Autopsy reports indicated that many victims had signs of torture, strangulation, and bullet wounds.
“These individuals underwent extremely brutal torture and executions,” the legislator added.
Push for Legal Action and Public Inquiry
According to the MP, the victims’ families are still seeking justice, and communities along the river are traumatised.
He said that no official explanation has been given since the bodies were first reported, despite public outrage and calls for investigations.
Odhiambo also revealed that he is in consultation with his legal team to explore avenues for holding Matiang’i accountable.
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Among the options being considered is summoning the former CS to the National Assembly to explain his role.
“We may also consider initiating the process of establishing a public inquest so that the former CS can appear before a Commission of Inquiry to publicly shed light on his actions and inactions,” he said.
Matiang’i Responds to Accusations
The MP said pressure will also be mounted on the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to act on the matter.
The discovery of bodies in River Yala sparked a national outcry in early 2022, with human rights defenders accusing security agencies of involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Despite pledges from authorities, few answers have emerged, and Matiang’i, who served as Interior CS during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, has not publicly responded to the latest accusations.
Also Read: Fred Matiangi Profile: Education Background, Family, Career, Net Worth
On his part, Matiang’i, who recently announced interest in the country’s top seat, denied any wrongdoing.
Speaking during a recent interview on Citizen TV, Matiang’i called for a public inquest and insisted that investigations were ongoing when he left office.
“I didn’t leave with the file. It was a police matter. I’m ready to testify before a judge and say what I know,” he said.
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