Human Rights Activist Dismisses Matiang’i Accusations, Defends Government Record and Calls for Thorough Probe Into Othaya Church Violence

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has strongly dismissed accusations leveled against the government and President William Ruto by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, terming them reckless, misleading, and a display of political hypocrisy unbecoming of a leader seeking the highest office in the land.

Speaking during a press briefing in Eldoret, Kipkorir Ngetich said that while criticism and public scrutiny of government actions remain fundamental democratic rights enshrined in the Constitution, such criticism must be grounded in truth, integrity, and moral credibility.

“Constructive criticism strengthens democracy and governance. However, it becomes hollow and dishonest when it comes from individuals whose own records in public office are stained by grave human rights concerns,” Ngetich said.

He noted that Dr Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary was widely associated with excessive use of force by police, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a systematic erosion of the rule of law.

According to Ngetich, the period saw widespread harassment of opposition leaders, civil society actors, journalists, and ordinary citizens who expressed dissenting political views.

“It is unfortunate that during that time, the late Hon Raila Odinga, his supporters, and several human rights defenders suffered intimidation, humiliation, arbitrary arrests, and in some cases, loss of life,” he stated.

He recalled several incidents where opposition demonstrations were violently dispersed, including instances where the former prime minister was teargassed, physically assaulted, and placed in life-threatening situations.

“That era raised serious and unanswered questions about electoral malpractices, state-sanctioned repression, and deliberate attempts to weaken democratic institutions. These actions were directly linked to the Interior Ministry, which Dr Matiang’i headed,” Ngetich added.

The activist also revisited the discovery of mutilated bodies dumped in River Yala, describing it as one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s recent human rights history.

“Many Kenyans are yet to get justice for the young men whose bodies were retrieved from River Yala. Credible reports linked rogue police officers and security agencies operating under the Interior Ministry to extrajudicial killings,” he said.

Ngetich further alleged that the current President William Ruto was also subjected to sustained harassment and political intimidation during Matiang’i’s tenure.

“Our current president was routinely humiliated, demeaned, and politically targeted using state security machinery. That history cannot be erased or ignored,” he noted.

Turning to the recent violence witnessed at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, Ngetich condemned the incident, reiterating that violence against places of worship and innocent civilians is unacceptable and must be condemned without qualification.

“No one is legitimizing violence against any Kenyan, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Those who engage in violence must face the full force of the law,” he said.

However, Ngetich accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of exploiting the Othaya incident to undermine the government and inflame political and ethnic tensions following his impeachment.

“Since his removal from office, Mr Gachagua has consistently sought to destabilize the government through organized propaganda, falsehoods, and manufactured narratives of victimhood,” he alleged.

He described Gachagua as a dangerous political actor whose rhetoric, he said, borders on warmongering and tribal mobilization.

“Mr Gachagua has on record claimed to have friends and informers within the security sector. If such networks indeed exist, they raise serious concerns as to whether they may have been used to facilitate or organize violence,” Ngetich said.

The activist called for a comprehensive, multi-agency investigation into the Othaya church incident to establish its root cause, motive, and the individuals behind it.

“We demand an independent and thorough investigation to determine what happened, who was involved, and the intention behind it. No individual, regardless of status, should be above scrutiny,” he stated.

Ngetich further accused Gachagua of working with a team of lawyers and political operatives to fabricate documents and stories aimed at damaging the government’s image both locally and internationally.

“He publicly vowed to use every means possible to tarnish the name of the President and the government. Unfortunately, he has been effective in spreading propaganda and misinformation,” he said.

He dismissed claims that the government is targeting Gachagua or seeking to curtail his freedoms, describing such assertions as exaggerated and misleading.

“The government has no interest in harming him or restricting his democratic rights. There is no fear whatsoever, because politically, he is a non-starter,” Ngetich asserted.

According to the activist, Kenya continues to enjoy broad democratic space under the current administration, contrary to claims of dictatorship and human rights violations.

“Kenyans are freely holding political rallies, expressing dissent, moving across the country without restriction, and associating freely. These freedoms are real and visible,” he said.

He pointed out that President Ruto and his family have been subjected to unprecedented levels of public criticism, insults, and abuse without state retaliation.

“No dictator would tolerate such open criticism. We have clear examples in neighboring countries and across Africa where real dictatorships exist and dissent is brutally crushed,” Ngetich observed.

He warned Kenyans against what he termed “self-declared reformists and born-again democracy fighters,” arguing that both Matiang’i and Gachagua do not represent genuine reformist ideals.

“They are not human rights crusaders. They are not democratic reformers. They are political opportunists driven by revenge, vendetta, and selfish ambition,” he said.

Ngetich urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics anchored on hatred, tribalism, and misinformation, cautioning that such approaches pose a serious threat to national unity and stability.

“The hard-won democracy we enjoy today was achieved through sacrifice and pain. It must be protected at all costs,” he emphasized.

He concluded by calling on all political actors to put national interest above personal ambition, stressing that Kenya’s future cannot be shaped by clandestine movements, propaganda wars, or political vengeance.

“The stability, unity, and progress of this nation must come first. Kenyans must remain vigilant and reject leaders whose politics are built on division and bitterness,” Ngetich said.

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