The petitioners, led by the Gusii Region IDPs Steering Committee representing Kisii and Nyamira counties, allege that compensation funds ordered by Justice A.C. Mrima on April 7, 2022, were misappropriated. According to court documents, the money was diverted to “non-IDPs” through what they describe as corruption, cartels, and embezzlement
Former Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has been sued over a Ksh 6.85 billion compensation claim linked to former Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The case, filed at the Kisii High Court, accuses Matiang’i, alongside ex-Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and former Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, of mishandling funds meant for 2007/08 post-election violence victims.
The petitioners, led by the Gusii Region IDPs Steering Committee representing Kisii and Nyamira counties, allege that compensation funds ordered by Justice A.C. Mrima on April 7, 2022, were misappropriated. According to court documents, the money was diverted to “non-IDPs” through what they describe as corruption, cartels, and embezzlement.
This legal action comes amid speculation about Matiang’i’s political future, following reports of a deal with Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson to boost his 2027 presidential ambitions. Media reports revealed that the firm was contracted on July 29, 2024, to manage campaign strategy, international branding, and fundraising efforts for Matiang’i.
Although Matiang’i has not publicly declared his candidacy, the agreement signals his potential challenge to President William Ruto in the upcoming elections. He joins a growing list of opposition figures, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, who have hinted at contesting Ruto’s re-election bid.
Once Uhuru’s Trusted Lieutenant
Matiang’i rose to prominence during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, where he served as a de facto Deputy President after Uhuru’s fallout with William Ruto. Known for heading high-stakes cabinet sub-committees and frequently reporting directly to the president, Matiang’i was seen as one of Uhuru’s most trusted allies.
However, his time in office was not without controversy, particularly regarding the distribution of compensation to IDPs, a matter now under legal scrutiny. The latest lawsuit adds to the growing political intrigue around Matiang’i as he navigates his post-government life and plots his next move on the national stage.
