‘There will be no goon nonsense in Kenya if I’m elected president’: Matiang’I declares

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential hopeful Dr. Fred Matiang’i has launched a blistering attack on rising incidents of violence and politically linked goonism, vowing to restore law and order if elected Head of State.

Speaking in Nyamira on Friday, Matiang’i painted a grim picture of a country where basic services are faltering and insecurity is creeping into everyday life.

“Hatuwezi kufika mahali eti watoto hawaendi shule, sijui matibabu hakuna, hakuna chakula kwa hospitali, watu wanapigwa kila siku,” he said, decrying what he described as a breakdown of essential systems and public safety.

The former powerful Interior CS, who once oversaw the country’s security apparatus, took direct aim at political actors accused of sponsoring violence, warning that the era of impunity must come to an end.

“One pledge I can make to Kenya as a presidential candidate, if I was given an opportunity to be president of this country, there will be no goon nonsense in this country. Lazima serikali iwe serikali, na wakora ni wakora,” Matiang’i declared.

The Jubilee Deputy Party Leader criticised what he suggested is selective enforcement of the law, where individuals allegedly linked to powerful figures operate above the law.

“Na kama wakora wanafanya namna hiyo, sheria iko inatuambia tufanye nini na wakora, tutafuata sheria. Lakini sio eti unaangalia pande hii watu wanabebabeba wakora hapa, eti wao ndio wakubwa, kwa sababu ni marafiki wa serikali…ni marafiki wa mkubwa. Kwa sababu hao ni marafiki wa mkubwa wan chi, wako na kibali ya kufanya ushenzi kama huo. It cannot work!” He said.

Matiang’i’s remarks come against the backdrop of growing concern over politically instigated violence, with reports of hired gangs disrupting meetings, attacking opponents, and instilling fear in communities.

Positioning himself as a law-and-order candidate, Matiang’i promised a return to strict adherence to the rule of law, insisting that criminal elements- regardless of political connections - would be dealt with firmly and legally.

“Violence, goonism, and failing systems have no place in the Kenya we want to build,” he said, framing his 2027 presidential bid as a mission to rebuild broken institutions and restore public trust.

“We must restore order, uphold the rule of law, and protect every Kenyan without fear or favor.”