Matiang’i: Raila’s Uhuru Park swearing-in was my greatest test as Interior CS

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has described the 2018 mock swearing-in of Raila Odinga at Uhuru Park as one of the most challenging moments of his public service career, calling it his "greatest test” as a national security minister.

Speaking during a live interview with Citizen TV on Friday as Raila’s State Funeral was underway at Nyayo National Stadium, Matiang’i reflected on his interactions with the late former Prime Minister, describing him as a father figure, mentor, and passionate leader who cared deeply about education and public welfare.

“Raila alikuwa kama baba ya watu wote na mwelekezi. Before the 2012 elections, I only used to see him from a distance, but when I became a Cabinet Minister in 2013, we started meeting often at public events,” Matiang’i said.

“He was a very passionate leader and whenever you met him, he would not just pass you by — he would stop to talk and ask, ‘Mugaka unaendelea aje?’”

Matiang’i recalled how Raila frequently reached out to him while he served as Education Cabinet Secretary, especially concerning schools in the Nyanza and Western regions.

“In 2015 and 2016, while I was Education Minister, Raila showed great interest in institutions like Maranda High School and Maseno School. He would send messages asking about their progress and even give advice,” he noted.

The former CS, however, said their relationship was occasionally tested during his tenure in the powerful Interior docket, particularly around the 2017 General Election when he served as Acting Security Minister following the death of Gen. Joseph Nkaissery.

“Sometimes we had to stop one or two rallies by ODM supporters because of early campaigns,” he recalled.

“But after the 2017 elections, when Raila wanted to go to Uhuru Park to be sworn in as the People’s President, it was the greatest test for me as the Minister for Security. We discussed the issue with other members of the security council and agreed that it was a test we had to pass.”

Matiang’i added that he was grateful the symbolic swearing-in ceremony on January 30, 2018, proceeded peacefully, terming the momentous event as his ‘greatest test’ of his career.

“I thank God because the event happened at Uhuru Park to a successful conclusion without a single shot being fired or a single incident,” he said.

Raila Odinga died in India on Wednesday morning after what doctors suspect was a heart attack.

He was accorded full state honours at a two-hour national funeral service held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday morning, attended by local and foreign dignitaries.

His body will later be flown to Kisumu ahead of his burial scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Siaya County, to be conducted in accordance with the traditions of the Anglican Church to which he belonged.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is chairing the National Committee for the State Funeral, co-chaired by Raila’s brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, with Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo serving as secretary.