It wasn’t me, Matiang’i denies role in police killings in Nakuru
The four were alleged to be members of Nyuki Squad, which had been linked to a spate of robberies and violence in Barut area
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has denied he sanctioned the killing of criminal suspects in Nakuru by police officers during his tenure at Harambee House.
In a statement issued by his secretariat, Matiang’i, who is eyeing the presidency in 2027, said his statement contained in a documentary, “Murder Tapes, Butchers of Nakuru”, which was aired by NTV on Thursday was taken out of context, adding he is a great believer in human rights and the rule of law.
The four were shot dead by the police of July 14, 2022 in Barut area, Nakuru West sub-county during a security operation with Nakuru County Commander Peter Mwazo, who was just 16 days into his job, saying they were members of a gang called Nyuki Squad, which had been linked to a spate of robberies and violence in the area.
However, according to the NTV expose, the four were ambushed, handcuffed and executed in the dead of night before police told the media the “deadly gangsters” were killed during an exchange of fire.
The documentary revisits a clip in which Matiang’i warned during a security meeting in the area that the government will deploy unprecedented force against the gang before adding that no one should tell him about human rights.
However, the statement issued by Team Matiang’i secretariat noted that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the killings, adding that while they emphatise with the affected families, it is only proper to await the outcome.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr Matiang’i’s record as a civil servant is clear for everyone to see. He oversaw the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, restored sanity on our roads, reformed the immigration department, led a crackdown on illegal gambling, oversaw wide ranging reforms in the education sector among others.
In the security sector, he oversaw National Police Service reforms, including housing, equipment upgrades and command restructuring. This is in addition to strengthening the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to improve service delivery at the grassroots levels among other great achievements,” the statement read in part.
“We deeply appreciate the vital watchdog role the media plays in society – holding power to account, exposing wrongdoing and amplifying voices that may otherwise go unheard. However, as we approach an election, the media must be doubly vigilant not to become a willing mouthpiece for politically driven propaganda. Truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism or partisan gain. The credibility of journalism – and the stability of democracy – depends on it,” the statement added.
