Former Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called for a public inquest into extrajudicial killings in Kenya, including the high-profile murders of Chris Msando, Jacob Juma, and Kipyegon Kenei, as well as the mysterious River Yala bodies discovered during his tenure.
Speaking on June 25, 2025, Matiang’i expressed readiness to face questions regarding these cases, which have long fueled allegations of state-sponsored violence and police brutality.
His statement, made amid Kenya’s violent protests marking the 2024 anti-government demonstrations’ anniversary, has reignited debates about accountability and justice in the country.
The call for a public inquest follows reports of 16 fatalities and over 400 injuries during the June 25, 2025, protests, with Amnesty International attributing most deaths to police action involving tear gas and alleged live ammunition.
Matiang’i, who served as Interior Cabinet Secretary from 2017 to 2022 under President Uhuru Kenyatta, has faced criticism for his oversight of security forces during a period marked by abductions and extrajudicial killings.
The River Yala case, where over 30 mutilated bodies were retrieved in 2021–2022, remains a stain on his tenure, with human rights groups like Haki Africa and Amnesty International demanding answers.
Matiang’i’s push for transparency comes as he positions himself for a 2027 presidential bid under the Jubilee Party.
Chris Msando, the IEBC ICT manager, was found dead in July 2017 with deep scratches and cuts; his murder was linked to the contentious presidential election.
Jacob Juma, a businessman, was shot dead in his car in May 2016, with allegations pointing to powerful figures silencing a vocal critic.
Kipyegon Kenei, an Administration Police officer attached to then-Deputy President William Ruto’s office, was found dead in February 2020, with investigators rejecting suicide claims and linking his death to a military equipment scandal. These cases, alongside the River Yala bodies, remain unresolved, fuelling accusations of impunity.
Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior CS was marked by aggressive security measures, including violent clashes with opposition protesters and the 2018 deportation of lawyer Miguna Miguna against court orders.
Former CS Fred Matiang’i calls for public inquest into extra-judicial killings; says he’s ready to answer questions for River Yala bodies and the murders of Chris Msando, Jacob Juma and Kipyegon Kenei. pic.twitter.com/pIl0uHwg5y
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) June 26, 2025
In 2023, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah called for a probe into the River Yala killings, directly naming Matiang’i and former DCI boss George Kinoti.
Despite this, Matiang’i condemned the recent killing of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, calling it “cold-hearted” and urging criminal justice reforms.
The June 25 protests, driven by Gen Z demands for an end to corruption and police brutality, saw significant property damage and clashes in Nairobi’s CBD.
Matiang’i’s call for an inquest aligns with his recent defense of protesters’ rights, urging police to exercise restraint.
Rights groups, including the KNCHR, have documented over 80 abductions since 2024, with 26 individuals still missing, amplifying calls for a transparent investigation.
The government’s response, including a now-overturned ban on live protest coverage, has drawn criticism for stifling press freedom.
As Kenya grapples with its history of extrajudicial killings, Matiang’i’s push for a public inquest could be a pivotal step toward justice, though sceptics question his motives given his controversial past.
