Matiang’i Faces Backlash Over Police Brutality Remarks

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has broken his silence on the recent wave of police brutality witnessed during the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests, calling for urgent national dialogue and accountability.

In a statement released this week, Matiang’i said it was deeply painful to witness the ongoing violence and destruction across the country, urging the government to take citizen grievances seriously instead of responding with excessive force.

"It's very difficult to do anything when the country is in the state it is right now," he said.

"Very frankly it's very unfortunate and very painful to see what's going around in the country because I don't think there's anyone who thinks we should be living like this every day."

The former CS emphasized the need for a national conversation, urging leaders on all sides of the political divide to come together for dialogue.

"Whatever side of the political divide you are, these issues need to be addressed. How many lives are we going to lose before we start listening to each other?" he posed.

His comments come after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least eight people died from gunshot wounds during the June 25 protests, with fatalities reported in Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).

KNCHR Vice Chair Dr Raymond Nyeris condemned the killings, noting the increasing disregard for human rights by state agencies and certain groups.

“The right to life is sacrosanct. We condole with the families of the deceased and urge all actors to respect the sanctity of life,” Nyeris stated.

Matiang’i joined in the condemnation, stressing that ignoring the concerns of young Kenyans would only worsen the crisis.

“The government should not pretend there are no challenges pushing people to the streets,” he said.

“It’s very painful. If we were more open and more focused in addressing these issues, we would not have gotten here.”

Mixed Reactions from Kenyans

However, Matiang’i’s remarks were met with mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans accusing him of hypocrisy.

Several users on social media reminded the former CS that his own tenure at the Interior Ministry was marred by allegations of police brutality, especially during protests and election-related unrest.

“Matiang’i must think we’ve forgotten how police officers brutalised us in 2017. Teargas, shootings, raids... all under his watch,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“Nice words, but let’s not forget he defended the same brutality back then. No crocodile tears now,” another user commented.

Others welcomed his statement but demanded accountability.

“It’s good that he’s speaking out now. But it would be even better if he acknowledged his own role and apologized,” said a youth activist in Nairobi.