Matiang’i warns Ruto: Stop crackdown and face real security threats
By Kiprono Keileb, April 12, 2026Former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) and Jubilee Party flag bearer Fred Matiang’i has criticised the government over what he described as misplaced priorities in handling political activities, accusing state agencies of targeting opposition leaders instead of addressing real security concerns affecting ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during a church service at PEFA Works, attended together with United Opposition leaders in Kajiado County on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Matiang’i questioned the increased police response to political gatherings, saying leaders engaging with citizens should not be treated as security threats.
He pointed to recent incidents in Kikuyu where the United Opposition leaders were met with heavy police presence, who threw tear gas at them, arguing that such actions risk undermining democratic space and creating unnecessary tension across the country.
Matiang’i raised concerns over the deployment of security officers during political visits, saying the government should instead focus on addressing genuine threats affecting citizens daily across different parts of the country.
“Government should focus on the threat profile, not focus on us political leaders who are addressing supporters. If you want to come to Kajiado, just come; we are not eating Kajiado; we will leave it all here. You can come tomorrow and talk to the people of Kajiado if you want, Rigathi Gachagua na sisi wengine kuenda kikuyu, hatuendi kukula kikuyu, we will be out; you can go there tomorrow also,” Matiangi said.
The former CS also questioned the use of force by police during such engagements, saying the actions appear excessive and difficult to justify, especially when leaders are simply meeting wananchi in different regions.
“Why are you deploying police to throw teargas on us na kutupiga risasi? We don’t understand what this is all about; tuko na shida kweli Kenya, but hatukufi moyo,” Matiangi stressed.
Matiang’i further assured Kenyans that alternative leadership would prioritise respect, listening to citizens, and avoiding harassment of political opponents, positioning himself and his allies as focused on restoring trust in governance.
“We will give Kenyans a trustworthy government that listens to them, a government that won’t harass others; we will respect all leaders,” Matiangi stated.
Drawing from his experience in the security sector, Matiang’i argued that the government must shift focus back to addressing real crime and insecurity, instead of what he termed political distractions.
“I was in security leadership, and I want to tell the government to focus on the country’s security threats profile. I’m sure we are not among that list. Pull resources together and get pickpockets out of the streets of Nairobi,” Matiangi stated.
He concluded by warning that the use of force against political leaders and supporters may not yield long-term results, urging authorities to reconsider their approach moving forward.
“Kututorosha kutoka kikuyu, hayo mambo ni temporary, yataisha tu, tumeona mambo mingi lakini sijawai ona serikali imetumia polisi vibaya and it survived, nothing,” Matiangi said.