MATIANG’I DENIES ROLE IN RIVER YALA KILLINGS, DISMISSES DEATH SQUAD CLAIMS

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversial River Yala killings, strongly denying allegations that his ministry operated or protected a state-sponsored death squad during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
Matiang’i, who served as one of the most powerful officials in the former administration, termed the claims as “baseless, dangerous, and politically motivated.” He said the narrative of a state-linked killer squad was deliberately crafted to tarnish his name and mislead the public.
"At no point did the Ministry of Interior sanction or cover up extra-judicial killings. The River Yala case was investigated by multiple independent bodies including the DCI and IPOA. If anyone has evidence, let them present it in court, not on social media," Matiang’i said during a recent public engagement.
The former CS maintained that the government under President Kenyatta upheld the rule of law, adding that his record on police reform and accountability speaks for itself.
The River Yala killings came to national attention in 2022 after over 30 unidentified bodies were discovered dumped in the river. Human rights defenders and civil society groups called for international investigations, alleging that many of the victims had last been seen in police custody.
Matiang’i’s remarks have reignited debate on the need for a deeper inquiry into the incident. Activists say the victims' families still deserve justice and answers.
“We are not done. We need accountability, not denials,” said one human rights official in response to Matiang’i’s comments.
The former minister’s statement also comes at a time when scrutiny over past human rights abuses continues to dominate political discourse, especially as new details and testimonies emerge.