Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential aspirant, Dr Fred Matiang’i, has broken his silence following NTV’s chilling exposé titled “Murder Tapes: The Butchers of Nakuru”, which implicates police officers in the extrajudicial execution of four young men.
According to the documentary, four young men were handcuffed, shot in the head and chest. The police allegedly lied the next morning that they were armed.
The then Nakuru County Police Commander Peter Mwanzo, just 16 days into the job, told the media that the four were members of a gang known as the Nyuki Squad, which had been linked to a spate of robberies and violent incidents in the area.
It was further revealed in the tape that Matiang’i , in support of the police, made controversial remarks where he said: “We will deploy unprecedented fire and force. I can’t be lectured on human rights by anyone.”
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Matiang’i Disputes Context of Remarks in NTV’s ‘Murder Tapes’ Exposé
However, in a statement dated Friday, May 16, the Team Matiang’i Secretariat said the former CS remarks featured in the NMG documentary were taken out of context, adding that he remains a great believer in human rights and the rule of law.
“For avoidance of doubt, Dr Matiang’i’s record as a civil servant is clear for everyone to see. He oversaw the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, restored sanity on our roads, reformed the immigration department, led a crackdown on illegal gambling, oversaw wide ranging reforms in the education sector among others,” the Secretariat added.
“In the security docket, Dr Matiang’i spearheaded reforms in the National Police Service, including improved housing, equipment upgrades, and restructuring of command. He also strengthened the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to enhance service delivery at grassroots levels.”
The Secretariat empathized with the affected families and acknowledged that investigations into the incident by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had already commenced, noting that it is only fair for all to await the outcome of the probe.
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Secretariat Warns Against Politically Driven Reporting Before 2027 Election
While expressing appreciation for the role of the media in holding power to account, the secretariat also called for responsible journalism, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.
“We deeply appreciate the vital watchdog role the media plays in society holding power to account, exposing wrongdoing and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard,” the Secretariat stated.
“However, as we approach an election, the media must be doubly vigilant not to become a willing mouthpiece for politically driven propaganda.”
It also remarked that the truth “must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism or partisan gain,” adding that “the credibility of journalism and the stability of democracy depend on it.”
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