Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Okengo Matiang’i has sharply criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration over its handling of the recent Gen Z-led protests, urging President William Ruto’s government to stop scapegoating and instead arrest the real perpetrators behind the chaos.
Speaking in Kisumu on Thursday, July 3, Matiang’i dismissed claims that the opposition was funding or inciting the youth-led demonstrations that saw damage to property and clashes across the country. He told the government to act on the intelligence and resources at its disposal instead of pushing blame.
“You have the money, you have the evidence, go and arrest those people. Stop making excuses. We in the opposition are serious people. Do your work, get it done. Don’t start scapegoating,” Matiang’i said. “We neither have the capacity nor the intention to pay people to cause mayhem. What would we gain from that?”
Echoing Matiang’i’s sentiments, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took a swipe at President Ruto, blaming him for appointing what he termed as an “incompetent” Interior Cabinet Secretary. Gachagua questioned how unarmed protesters could overrun and burn police stations manned by armed officers.
“Ruto appointed a very incompetent Interior CS, just people surrounding him with lies. How do unarmed people storm a police station, burn it down, and walk away? Where were the officers? Ideally, every police station has inmates. Who released them?” posed Gachagua.
The former Mathira MP said the Interior Ministry had failed to give the president honest advice, accusing senior government officials of misleading the Head of State instead of resolving the root causes of public dissent.
Meanwhile, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka assured Kenyans that the opposition remains united amid speculation of a looming fallout. He called on citizens to ignore misinformation circulating on social media, emphasizing that the opposition’s resolve to “liberate the country” is stronger than ever.
The opposition brigade, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, and others, landed at Kisumu International Airport Thursday morning for a “Meet the People” tour across Western Kenya.
On Thursday, the leaders made stops in Vihiga, Luanda, Malava, Mumias, and Busia. The tour continues Friday, July 4, with planned visits to Bungoma, Chwele, Kimilili, Kiminini, and Kitale. People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua is expected to join the caravan in the Bungoma leg of the tour.
