Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has explained why he cancelled his planned tour of the Mount Kenya region, particularly Meru County.
Speaking during an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, July 14, 2025, Matiang’i said he had received prior information that hired goons were planning to disrupt his meetings.
“The information I received indicated that some government officials were planning to disrupt my meeting,” said Matiang’i.
He echoed sentiments by former Agriculture CS Peter Munya, who was set to accompany him to Meru and also claimed there were plans by government officials to use goons to interfere with their visit—forcing them to cancel the tour.
Matiang’i Explains Why He Cancelled Tour
Matiang’i added that, having served in the security docket, he is familiar with such schemes where individuals within government orchestrate violence at political rallies.
“I understand government like the back of my hand. I know the inner workings of the state because I was there just three years ago. I know the powers and capabilities the government holds.
These acts we are seeing—goons roaming around beating people—you can’t convince me that the government isn’t aware of this. What kind of government would claim ignorance of what is clearly happening?” he posed.
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In the same interview, Matiang’i responded to President William Ruto’s accusations that opposition leaders were behind the violence during the recent Gen Z protests. He challenged the president to name and arrest the specific politicians he claims are funding and organizing goons.
He further asserted that the government has enough intelligence and security apparatus to identify individuals financing political violence and accused Ruto of wrongly targeting opposition leaders.
Former Interior CS Responds to Ruto’s Claims of Opposition Plot to Overthrow Government
Matiang’i also responded to President Ruto’s accusations that opposition leaders are planning to overthrow his government. Matiang’i insisted that they will remove President Ruto from power through constitutional means.
“Whatever we need to do for this country—even if it involves changing leadership—let us do it through constitutional means.
If there is any part of the Constitution that allows for leaders to be changed before an election, then that is what should be followed. But if no such provision exists, let us stick to the Constitution. If we do not follow it, it might work today—but what will happen to the country tomorrow? Let’s follow the Constitution,” said the former CS.
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Matiang’i’s decision to cancel his Mount Kenya region tour comes amid claims by some that he did so due to the absence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently outside the country; therefore, the response he gave dismisses those claims.
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