Kaluma to Matiang’i: Apologise for deporting Miguna before seeking any elective seat
In a pointed critique that underscores lingering tensions from past political events, Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has demanded that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i issue a public apology for the deportation of lawyer Miguna Miguna before contemplating any political ambitions.
Kaluma’s remarks, delivered via a post on X on Sunday, May 11, 2025, reflect ongoing discontent over the 2018 expulsion of Miguna, a controversial lawyer and political activist.
Miguna was first forcibly removed from the country following his involvement in the unofficial swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the people’s president.
“Fred Matiang’i kicked @MigunaMiguna out of his motherland Kenya and was gladly presiding over his death, until I got the High Court to intervene! Matiangi must apologise for abusing the human rights of Kenyans before telling us he wants to be an MCA in Nyamira,” Kaluma stated.
Miguna Miguna was deported from Kenya despite being a Kenyan citizen by birth. Authorities claimed he was solely a Canadian national, yet he held dual citizenship – a status explicitly recognised and protected under the Kenyan Constitution.
The deportation, executed under Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior CS, was widely criticised both domestically and internationally.
Miguna was twice deported from Kenya under Matiang’i’s tenure.
The first deportation happened on February 6, 2018.
Following his participation in the unofficial swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga as the People’s President on January 30, 2018, Miguna was arrested on February 2.
Despite multiple court orders for his release, he was forcibly deported to Canada on February 6, 2018.
The second deportation happened on March 28, 2018.
After attempting to return to Kenya, Miguna was detained at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for several days. Authorities claimed he needed to regularise his citizenship status.
On March 28, 2018, Miguna was deported again, this time to Dubai.
The outspoken lawyer claimed that he was physically assaulted, sedated, and forcibly placed on a flight during his second deportation.
Local courts subsequently declared the action illegal, citing violations of Miguna’s constitutional rights and the government’s disregard for court orders.
Despite court rulings mandating his return, Miguna faced multiple obstacles re-entering Kenya, including being denied entry at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and enduring a second deportation.
In 2022, following a change in administration, Miguna was allowed to return to Kenya.
President William Ruto personally apologised to Miguna for the previous government’s actions.
However, Miguna has since expressed frustration over the lack of accountability for those responsible for his ordeal.
Matiang’i has defended his actions in the past, asserting that Miguna lost his Kenyan citizenship upon acquiring Canadian nationality and failed to reclaim it under the provisions of the 2010 Constitution, which permits dual citizenship.
As Matiang’i contemplates a return to public office, Kaluma’s call for an apology highlights the enduring impact of past political decisions on the country’s contemporary political landscape.
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Martin Oduor
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