Matiang’i Sends Strong Warning To Political Gangs Ahead Of 2027
Politics Updated: 25 April 2026 11:07 EAT
Jubilee presidential candidate Dr Fred Matiang'i
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on April 24, 2026, delivered a strongly worded address centred on law, order and political accountability, sharpening his profile as a reform-focused presidential contender.
Speaking during a public engagement, Matiang’i raised concern over deteriorating social conditions, pointing to disruptions in essential services across parts of the country.
“There are places where children are not going to school, there is no medical care, no food in hospitals, and people are being beaten every day,” he said.
He framed these challenges as evidence of systemic governance failures that require urgent intervention at the highest level of leadership.
Matiang’i declared that restoring state authority would be a central pillar of his presidency if elected in 2027.
“If I were given the opportunity to be the President of this country, there would be no nonsense. The government must be the government, and criminals must be treated as criminals,” he stated.
He emphasised adherence to the rule of law, noting that enforcement agencies already have clear legal frameworks to address criminal conduct.
“The law tells us exactly what to do with them. We will follow the law,” he added.
At the same time, he warned against selective application of justice, cautioning that favouritism undermines national stability.
“We won’t have a situation where you favor one side—where criminals are pampered because they are friends of the government,” he said.
Matiang’i argued that perceived protection of politically connected individuals risks escalating public frustration and unrest.
“Giving them permission to commit such actions will destabilize the country to a point where you can’t manage it,” he warned.
He further cautioned that sustained public pressure could trigger unpredictable consequences if grievances are ignored.
“When you push people too far, and they are backed against a wall, even you won’t know what they are capable of doing,” he said.
Citing recent unrest, Matiang’i claimed that public anger has already manifested in attacks on state facilities.
“Since 2024 up until now, citizens have burned down 13 police stations in the country because of their anger over these issues,” he asserted.
He called on senior political figures to reassess their approach to governance and security management.
“The leaders in government must understand that we cannot run a country this way,” he said.
Matiang’i also alleged that some politicians have enabled organised groups to intimidate opponents and civilians.
“Some politicians have the permission to organize gangs to attack people, and when they confront the police, no action is taken,” he claimed.
He maintained that such practices erode public trust in institutions tasked with maintaining order.
“It will not work,” he said, stressing that equal enforcement of the law is essential.
Positioning himself within the opposition, Matiang’i said his camp remains committed to lawful conduct despite mounting tensions.
“For those of us in the opposition, we have decided we will follow the law,” he stated.
However, he cautioned that continued imbalance in enforcement could narrow democratic space.
“When it reaches a certain level… what options will you leave us with?” he posed.
Matiang’i also responded to accusations linking him to organised groups, dismissing the claims as politically motivated.
“I saw some leaders… saying that I am the one with such groups. If we have dealt with banditry and other gangs, we know how to address these issues,” he said.
He cited past security operations, including crackdowns on criminal networks in urban and rural areas, as evidence of his track record.
“Some of the gangs in Nairobi have already been dealt with,” he noted.
Referring to operations in parts of the country such as Kitale, Matiang’i said authorities had taken action against armed groups.
“We went after the gunmen and confiscated their weapons,” he said.
He indicated that similar measures would be intensified against networks he accused of being sponsored by political actors.
“We are still going to straighten out those groups until their sponsors are held accountable,” he stated.
Matiang’i issued a cautionary message to those allegedly involved, urging compliance with the law.
“This is not an empty threat. This is a warning. It is better to act within the law,” he said.
He concluded by rallying supporters around a platform anchored on order, institutional strength and equal justice under the law.
The April 24 address reinforced Matiang’i’s broader campaign message, presenting himself as a candidate focused on restoring discipline in governance and ensuring consistent application of the law across all sectors.
Tags: 6G Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Factual data Fred Matiangi Fred Matiang'I Jubilee Jubilee Party Jubille Matiangi One Term One term Political Science Political tensions Politics Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya Wantam Wantam
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD