Matiang’i: The ghosts of Yala River don’t haunt me

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has dismissed claims that the discovery of mutilated bodies in and around River Yala troubles his mind.

Matiang’i said he stands ready to account for his role while in office and supports calls for a public inquest into the killings.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Matiang’i, now a presidential hopeful under the Jubilee Party, insisted that he has nothing to hide regarding the disturbing incidents that shocked the nation between 2021 and 2023.

“The ghosts of Yala River don’t haunt me,” Matiang’i said, pushing back against persistent questions about the government’s handling of the matter during his tenure as Interior CS.

“This is a matter I like explaining every time an opportunity arises.”

Dozens of bodies were discovered in and along River Yala over a span of nearly two years, many of them mutilated, bound with ropes, or stuffed in sacks.

The gruesome findings sparked widespread public outrage and raised concerns about possible extrajudicial killings, with fingers pointed at state security agencies.

Despite investigations being launched, many of the victims remain unidentified and the cases unresolved.

Matiang’i acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but defended the actions taken by the government at the time, saying due process was followed through the appropriate security channels.

“In every docket in government, a moment comes when a mistake is committed,” he said. “Bodies were found in River Yala, and we acted very responsibly as a government. The matter came to the National Security Council.”

According to Matiang’i, the government sought guidance from top law enforcement agencies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General of Police.

“We asked police officers if we should open an inquest into this matter, but they told us the DCI and the IG were handling it,” he said.

He explained that a formal inquest is typically opened when critical facts are missing, but in the River Yala case, authorities had physical evidence that could aid investigations.

“You open an inquest when you have so many material facts away from you. In this case, we had bodies, meaning we could go and take fingerprints, trace identities, find families, and reconstruct movements as investigations continued,” he said.

Matiang’i added that instructions were given to keep all investigation files open, noting that discoveries continued even after he left office. “We said keep the files open, and even after I left the office, another two bodies were found in River Yala,” he stated.

However, he emphasised that justice must ultimately be served.

“It is a crime that ought to be investigated to its furthest end, and those involved brought to book. If it includes me, I am ready to be held to account,” he said.

The former CS reiterated his support for a public inquest into the matter, arguing it would be the most transparent way to uncover the truth and restore public confidence.

“The best way to resolve this matter is to have a public inquest. I called for a public inquest, and the President has got powers to do so, or the National Security Council. I am ready to appear before the inquest,” he said.

By late 2022, more than 40 bodies had reportedly been retrieved from the river, with estimates suggesting between 30 and over 40 victims between 2021 and early 2023.

Many of the bodies showed signs of torture, including head injuries, disfigurement, and in some cases, faces covered with plastic bags.