Matiang’i distances himself from Miguna deportation drama
By David Nthua, October 29, 2025Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has distanced himself from blame for the deportation of controversial Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna back in 2018.
Speaking to a local radio station on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Matiang’i said that at the time, Miguna created drama for nothing.
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He said the government did not have any intention to deny him his rightful Kenyan citizenship, but Miguna decided not to cooperate.
Miguna landed in trouble with security agencies following the mock swearing-in of the late ODM Party leader and NASA presidential candidate in the 2017 general election, Raila Odinga, at Uhuru Park.
Miguna refused to follow the process
Matiang’i explained that the government had established a clear and lawful process for Kenyans who wished to reclaim their citizenship after renouncing it under the old constitution, which did not allow dual nationality.
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He said Justice Lenaola’s ruling had already provided a legal pathway for such individuals, including Miguna, to regain their citizenship.
“On the issue of Miguna Miguna, Justice Lenaola’s ruling outlined how to regain citizenship after renouncing it, since the old constitution didn’t allow dual nationality.
Nobody above the law, Matiang’i says
“We created a simple form at the Immigration Department to help Kenyans reclaim citizenship, but Miguna refused to sign it, choosing instead to create drama at the airport,” Matiang’i said.
The former powerful minister reiterated that every individual in the country must follow the law, regardless of their social or political status.
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He said that while some people attempt to evade accountability or delay investigations, justice always catches up eventually.
“No one in this country is above the law. It doesn’t matter how long it takes; you must be investigated.
“No one holds public office forever, even if you try to sit on those investigative files,” he stated.
Matiang’i’s remarks come amid renewed debate over the handling of Miguna Miguna’s deportation, a case that stirred political tension and public outrage at the time.
His comments suggest that the government’s position was based on legal procedure, not personal or political vendetta.