Matiang’i Dismisses Dictatorship Allegations, “Enforcing the Law Isn’t Brutality”
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has defended his leadership record, dismissing claims that he ruled with an iron fist during his tenure at the helm of the powerful ministry.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Wednesday, the 2027 presidential aspirant insisted that his leadership style was rooted in the rule of law and not authoritarianism. He emphasized that enforcing the law should not be mistaken for brutality, arguing that meaningful transformation in any country requires discipline and adherence to regulations.
“Things are not going to happen on their own. I hear people arguing that we were on the same level as Singapore, and it is lovable, but how did they move out of that place? People made sacrifices and stuck to discipline, that is why they have moved forward,” Matiang’i said.
“Things do not just happen; we have to work for them.”
The former CS revealed that when he assumed office, he found a disorganized and poorly regulated security ministry, where even basic records of licensed firearm holders were missing, a situation he described as a national security threat.
“We had the issue of proliferation of small arms in the country. You ask security people in the Ministry at that time, and they had no record of private people owning guns,” he noted.
Matiang’i cited the Firearms Act (Cap. 114), which requires firearm owners to obtain valid licenses and prove that their possession does not endanger public safety. He said his ministry had no choice but to launch a nationwide crackdown on illegal gun ownership to restore order and accountability.
“There is an Act that prescribes how you are supposed to own a firearm, and there is a regulation on how private people can sell guns. In an environment like that, how do you control security in your country?” he posed.
The former CS said the reform process yielded tangible results, including the identification of individuals unfit to own weapons.
“I cancelled licenses for those holding a firearm, and we did it afresh while following what the Act demands,” he explained.
“Five people, including people already in leadership positions, failed a psychiatrist test, which means they ought not to be having guns. One of them even murdered someone.”
Looking ahead to his 2027 presidential bid, Matiang’i vowed to apply the same principles of discipline and accountability in national governance. He said Kenya doesn’t need new laws but firm enforcement of existing ones, particularly in tackling corruption.
“What we need is good leadership, and nothing is stronger than leading by example. You cannot tell people to stop stealing every day,” he said.
“I’d like to be president of Kenya because we need to fix the challenges that we have. I meet people every day, and the horror stories they tell you are very terrifying for a country our size.”
