Hundreds of Kisii residents on Tuesday, March 7 took to the streets protesting alleged harassment of former Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i.
Chanting “no Matiang’I, no peace slogans” the protesters who carried twigs and posters and marched in Kisii town urged the government to arrest and charge the former CS if he had committed a crime.
Gilian Obaigwa, a protester, said it was wrong for the investigators to continue holding Matiang’i for long, saying he is a Gusii leader and deserves to be treated with dignity.
“Do not treat Matiang’i like a criminal. He is our son and he served the country faithfully for 10 years and deserves respect,” Obaigwa said.
She said Kenya is democratic state with a rule of law, stressing, the government should arrest him to face the law for him to get justice.
Kisii leaders
Bomorenda Ward Representative and Deputy Speaker Jacob Barongo said it was wrong to frustrate the former CS, saying Kenyans will continue protesting if security officers keep on harassing him.
“Matiangi has not killed anybody or stolen from anyone. Thieves are known and are free. He served the country for 10 years and should be left free like his former colleagues,” Ombati, who is the majority chief whip, said.
Barongo said it was wrong for the government to treat him with contempt, stressing, he deserves respect.
The former CS was interrogated for six hours at DCI headquarters before he was freed.