Nairobi, Wednesday, October 29, 2025 — Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has criticised President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing to protect Kenyans and ignoring rising insecurity, abductions, and corruption.
Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday morning, Matiang’i said the Kenya Kwanza government had lost control of key sectors, including governance, security, and education. He warned that even the country’s foreign policy was now “collapsing under poor leadership.”
Abductions and Official Silence
Matiang’i cited several recent abductions involving Kenyan citizens, including activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were allegedly seized in Kampala, Uganda. The pair remains missing.
“It’s shameful that citizens like Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo can vanish in a neighbouring country, while our Foreign Affairs Ministry stays silent,” Matiang’i said.
He accused the government of neglecting its duty to protect citizens abroad. According to Amnesty International, cases of enforced disappearances in Kenya have sharply increased since 2023, drawing international concern.
The former CS urged authorities to conclude investigations into the River Yala killings and release findings to the public. He said the law must hold every official accountable, regardless of position.
Corruption and ‘Wash Wash’ Networks
Matiang’i also condemned what he called the government’s hypocrisy in fighting corruption. He said criminal cartels and money-laundering groups operate freely due to weak oversight.
He noted that Kenya remains listed as a high-risk country for money laundering, according to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
“Corruption is no longer hidden; it’s thriving in plain sight,” he told Reuters. “Criminal networks are protected instead of prosecuted.”
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Education Breakdown and Gun Control Concerns
Matiang’i said the ongoing lecturers’ strike, now over 40 days long, proves that the education system is collapsing. He accused the government of abandoning students and undermining universities.
“The progress we achieved at Jogoo House is gone,” he said. “We restored fairness and discipline in schools, but corruption has taken over again.”
He warned that poor gun control is worsening insecurity. According to The Standard, gun-related crimes have risen sharply, many involving licensed firearm owners.
Matiang’i blamed lax regulations and the lack of mental health assessments before license approval. “The country is arming unstable individuals, and we are seeing the results daily,” he said.
A Country in Decline
The former CS said Kenya is at a breaking point. He argued that weak leadership, corruption, and complacency are destroying public confidence.
