NAIROBI —Dr Fred Matiang’i, Kenya’s former Interior Cabinet Secretary, has called for a full public inquiry into some of the country’s most haunting unresolved killings including those of IEBC official Chris Msando, businessman Jacob Juma, and Sergeant Kipyegon Kenei.
Speaking after visiting injured protesters at Kenyatta National Hospital on Wednesday, Matiang’i said the country cannot ignore these tragedies any longer.
“The truth will set us all free,” he said, calling for justice and transparency. “No one should be above the law not when it comes to human life.”
Accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Matiang’i said he’s willing to testify in an open court. He wants the cases heard publicly, under a magistrate or judge.
“Let us present the information and facts that we have,” he urged.
A Dark Chapter Reopened
Matiang’i’s remarks come as Kenya continues to wrestle with a long and painful history of suspected extrajudicial killings. His focus was on high-profile deaths that shocked the nation and remain unsolved.
Among them is the brutal 2017 killing of Chris Msando, the ICT manager at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. He was tortured and murdered days before the general election a killing many saw as an attempt to rig the polls by removing a key technical figure.
Then there’s Jacob Juma, a vocal critic of the government and businessman, shot dead in 2016 while driving in Nairobi. His killers were never caught.
Sergeant Kenei, found dead in 2020 with a bullet wound to the head, was stationed at the Deputy President’s office. He was linked to a corruption scandal involving a suspicious arms deal. Investigators initially called it suicide, but questions have lingered ever since.
“We cannot move forward without confronting the truth behind these murders,” Matiang’i said.
He also referenced the discovery of dozens of bodies dumped in River Yala, many showing signs of torture. Human rights organisations say the victims were likely executed some after being detained.
A Demand for Justice
Matiang’i’s call has been welcomed by some in civil society, who say the government has long failed to account for these deaths.
“These are not isolated cases,” said a Nairobi-based human rights lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They represent a pattern one of silence, fear, and a lack of political will to prosecute those responsible.”
Advocacy groups have consistently accused security agencies of operating with impunity, especially under the previous administration led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Despite public outcry, most of these cases remain in limbo. Investigations stalled. Files went cold. Families were left with questions and no answers.
A Turning Point?
Whether Matiang’i’s appeal will shift the political tide is unclear. But by offering to testify, he has put fresh pressure on current authorities to act.
Analysts say a public inquest could help rebuild trust in the justice system if handled with transparency and independence.
As Kenya continues to reckon with its past, Matiang’i’s voice has reignited a long-dormant debate: Who is responsible for these killings, and will justice ever be done?
For now, the families of Msando, Juma, Kenei, and the unnamed dead in River Yala wait still hoping someone will finally tell the whole truth.
