NAIROBI — Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has spoken publicly for the first time about two of Kenya’s most troubling unsolved cases: the murder of electoral official Chris Msando and the discovery of more than 30 bodies dumped in River Yala.
In an interview aired Tuesday night on Citizen TV, Dr Matiang’i said both cases remained under active investigation when he left office. He insisted that his ministry had done all it could, but said real progress could only be made if the state allowed a full public inquiry.
“We followed the cases until our last day,” Matiang’i said, referring to his tenure before the 2022 elections. “The investigations were still ongoing. I didn’t leave with the files. These were matters for the police.”
‘We Demanded an Inquest’
On the River Yala case, where dozens of unidentified bodies were retrieved from the river in 2021 and early 2022, Matiang’i said the matter was escalated to the then-Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
“We asked the Police IG, and it was agreed that the DCI should spend some time there. When they came back, we demanded an inquest,” he said.
But there was a hurdle, according to Matiang’i.
“The DCI told us that unless families came forward to identify the bodies, it would be hard to determine the cause or context of death,” he explained. “The case was still open when we left.”
At the time, the River Yala case sparked national outrage. Human rights groups claimed many of the bodies bore signs of torture. Activists accused the authorities of dragging their feet. But Matiang’i pushed back on that.
“It’s not just about what the police want. Families have to help identify the victims,” he said.
Msando Murder Still Open
Asked about the brutal killing of Chris Msando, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ICT manager who was found dead just days before the 2017 General Election, Matiang’i admitted little progress had been made during his time.
“The incident was reported. I know it just like you do,” he said. “We asked many questions.”
Msando’s murder drew national and international condemnation at the time. His body was discovered in a thicket in Kikuyu, alongside that of a young woman. An autopsy confirmed he was tortured before being killed.
Even years later, no one has been charged.
“There were several other unresolved cases too Jacob Juma, Sergeant Kipyegon Kenei. All we kept hearing from the DCI was, ‘The file is still open.’ Even if you’re the President, there’s only so much you can do,” Matiang’i said.
Calls for Public Inquests
Matiang’i is now urging the current administration to do what he says was not within his power: allow open court inquiries into the cases.
“I am ready to appear before any judge,” he said. “Let there be public inquests. Let people speak freely. The truth will come out.”
He did not assign blame, but his words suggest a belief that only through transparency will Kenya find closure in these matters.
“Let us respect the justice system. Let us not turn these tragedies into political football,” he added.
