Eldoret Human Rights Activist Accuses Uhuru and Matiang’i of Undermining Ruto Government

An Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has launched a scathing attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, accusing them of orchestrating a sustained campaign to undermine the government of President William Ruto through political proxies, ethnic mobilization, and what he termed as “politics of revenge.”

Speaking to local media in Eldoret, Kipkorir Ngetich said it was deeply unfortunate that a retired Head of State—who is widely portrayed on the continental stage as a peace envoy and mediator—was allegedly involved in activities that destabilize Kenya’s political environment. He argued that former leaders have a moral and constitutional responsibility to act as unifying symbols rather than shadow political actors.

Ngetich claimed that Dr. Matiang’i is being used as a political “attack dog” to confront President Ruto on behalf of entrenched political elites from the Mt. Kenya region. According to him, these attacks are not driven by policy disagreements but by bitterness, disbelief, and unresolved political grudges stemming from the 2022 General Election.

“The former president has never come to terms with the reality that his deputy managed to ascend to the presidency despite facing humiliation, ridicule, and state-sponsored political hostility during his tenure,” Ngetich alleged. “Instead of accepting the democratic choice of Kenyans, he is allegedly sponsoring surrogates to fight the government from the sidelines.”

The human rights activist further accused the former administration of having used state machinery to isolate and discredit President Ruto when he served as Deputy President, actions which he said ultimately backfired and influenced voting patterns, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region.

Turning his criticism to Dr. Matiang’i, Ngetich questioned his suitability for national leadership, citing his tenure as Interior minister. He alleged that Matiang’i presided over a period marked by intimidation, police brutality, and unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings.

“One cannot claim to be a champion of democracy while serious questions remain unanswered about the bodies found in River Yala and the conduct of security agencies during his watch,” Ngetich said, adding that accountability and truth must precede any political ambitions.

Ngetich also warned against what he described as a dangerous convergence of interests between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he accused of secretly fueling anti-Ruto sentiments in the Mt. Kenya region. He alleged that ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is also being drawn into this broader scheme, which he characterized as a calculated attempt to revive ethnic politics aimed at isolating President Ruto and the Kalenjin community.

“This is not coincidence; it is a deliberate strategy built on tribal hatred,” Ngetich claimed. “Such politics threaten the social fabric of our nation and risk plunging Kenya back into instability.”

The activist contrasted these actions with President Ruto’s governance approach, praising what he termed as a strong development record and the formation of a broad-based government that cuts across ethnic and political divides. He said this approach has disrupted traditional power blocs and unsettled political actors who thrive on division.

Ngetich also cautioned the Gusii community against being drawn into what he described as a “dirty political game,” arguing that no community should be misled into believing it is being supported for national leadership when, in his view, it is merely being used as a political tool.

In a final warning, Ngetich said Kenyans would not “sit back and watch” as former leaders allegedly sabotage a legitimately elected government. He urged all political actors to respect democratic institutions, uphold national unity, and pursue grievances through lawful means.

“Kenya belongs to all of us,” he said. “Our future must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal vendettas, tribal supremacy, or political bitterness. Former leaders should rise above politics of hatred and allow the country to move forward in peace, unity, and stability.”