MP seeks Matiangi’s arrest amid claims govt plans legal action against former CS
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has called for the arrest of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i amidst claims that the government is plotting to prosecute him.
Kaluma’s remarks come as political tensions rise over the potential legal challenges facing Matiang’i, especially as the former CS is widely believed to be preparing for a presidential run in 2027.
Matiang’i, who has been out of the country for several months, is facing a political storm back home.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni on Friday April 4, 2025, accused the government of planning to unleash legal actions against Matiang’i in an attempt to derail his presidential aspirations.
Speaking at a delegates’ meeting in Keumbu, Kisii County, Kioni warned that despite any legal maneuvers, Matiang’i’s political ambitions would not be thwarted.
“Watasema Matiang’i ako na makosa sijui ishirini na nane, arubaini na nne, whatever number is given hio ni yao. Lakini ata wamuweke jela tutachagua yeye,” Kioni declared, implying that any criminal charges against Matiang’i would not stop his supporters from rallying behind him.
Echoing Kioni’s sentiments, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni voiced concerns about attempts to intimidate potential presidential candidates.
In his address, Omogeni criticized the government’s use of legal actions to stifle political opponents, urging that all candidates be allowed to run without fear of political persecution.
“Rais wetu wa taifa mheshimiwa William Ruto sisi tunakuomba vile tunaelekea uchaguzi wa 2027 hatutaki maneno ya fitina kwa wale wengine wanatafuta kiti ya urais. Hatutaki mambo ya kuskia kwamba ati mtu akisimama munataka kumtisha – apewe nafasi asimame. Watu wa West Mugirango nataka niwaulize, munakubaliana na mimi kwamba kijana wetu akisimamia kitu ya urais asitishwe?” Omogeni said.
Kaluma’s retort
In response to these remarks, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma intensified the calls for Matiang’i to face legal accountability.
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Kaluma posted on X, questioning whether Matiang’i’s potential presidential bid was an attempt to evade criminal prosecution for corruption and land-grab offenses.
“Is Matiang’i running in order to avoid criminal prosecution for corruption and landgrab offences? The Constitution of Kenya has a whole chapter on leadership and integrity. Independent institutions have been established to handle criminal investigations and prosecutions,” Kaluma wrote.
Kaluma, a staunch ally of the government, demanded that Matiang’i be arrested, prosecuted, and either jailed or cleared of any charges before the 2027 elections, adding fuel to the ongoing political firestorm.
“Let Matiang’i be arrested, prosecuted and either jailed or released before 2027 elections,” he added.
Matiangi’s brush with govt
The calls for legal action against Matiang’i are particularly poignant given the former CS’s recent history with the Kenya Kwanza government.
On the night of February 8–9, 2023, police officers raided the Karen residence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Following the incident, Matiang’i was summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and appeared at their Kiambu Road headquarters on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
He was interrogated for six hours, arriving at 9:00 am and leaving shortly after 4:00 pm.
Despite the lengthy grilling, no formal charges were brought against him.
Then-Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji stated that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Matiang’i in connection with the raid at his home.
Shortly after the episode, Matiang’i quietly left the country.
Since then, Matiang’i has remained abroad, fueling rumours of his self-exile due to fears of prosecution.
However, recent reports suggest that preparations are underway for a grand homecoming event, tentatively scheduled for May 2025, that will mark his formal return to Kenyan politics.
This event is expected to kick off his campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
Matiang’i’s return, however, could prove to be a double-edged sword.
While his supporters rally around his presidential ambitions, the government’s legal strategy and ongoing investigations may pose a significant challenge to his campaign.
With the 2027 elections just two years away, the political drama surrounding Matiang’i is far from over.
As the countdown to the elections continues, the battle between those backing Matiang’i’s bid for the presidency and those seeking to halt his political rise is likely to intensify.
Whether legal action will proceed, and what effect it may have on his political future, remains a key question in the lead-up to the vote.
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Martin Oduor
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