‘We will not be intimidated’, Matiang’i says as DP Ruto allies press for his resignation

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has affirmed that he will not be intimidated by the resignation calls from Deputy President William Ruto allies.

A section of leaders allied to Ruto led by Alice Wahome (Kandara), Irungu Kang’ata (Murang’a), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira) and Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) has demanded the resignation of CSes Matiang’i, Mutahi Kagwe and Joe Mucheru over their alleged allegiance to ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The CSes have been accused of openly endorsing Raila and campaigning for him.

In hard-hitting statements directed at the CSes, the pro-Ruto politicians stated that the leaders were likely to interfere with IEBC’s operations.

“They are not qualified to be part of the institutions working with the IEBC on the preparation for next year’s elections,” Kanga’ta said in a recent meeting at DP Ruto’s Karen residence.

Mathira legislator Rigathi Gachagua added, “Matiang’i is partisan and any election management he is part of cannot be free and fair.”

However, while responding on Monday, November 1, 2021, Matiang’i said that he was only answerable and accountable to the people of Kenya while upholding zero tolerance on those who encourage political intolerance.

“Don’t be intimidated by threats. You are only answerable and accountable to the people of Kenya, and your job is to uphold the zero tolerance policy on those who encourage political intolerance,” Matiang’i said.

The interior CS defended himself and his ICT counterpart, saying their work is only to create a conducive environment for the upcoming 2022 general elections.

“We, in the security sector, do not conduct elections – that is the mandate of the IEBC,” Matiang’i said.